Scientific Name
Stapelia leendertziae f. cristata
Common Names
Crested Black Bells, Crested Maroon Cup Starfish, Crested Rugose Cup Starfish
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: Stapelia
Description
Stapelia leendertziae f. cristata is a fascinating succulent with dull green to reddish, fan-shaped stems that hung down elegantly over the pot. It is most conspicuous in bloom due to the unique large, bell-shaped, deep reddish to dark purple, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long flowers.
Photo via cactus-art.biz
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Several species are fairly easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertilizer) during the growing season and complete withdrawal of water during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 50 °F (10 °C) is acceptable, providing that plants are kept dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants to get through the colder months. However, many species live under shrubs in habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
A gritty compost is essential, and clay pots are advisable for the more delicate species. Some growers prefer a mineral-only compost to minimize the chance of a fungal attack on the roots. A layer of grit on the surface of the compost prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of the stems.
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests such as mealybugs is the real key to success as fungal attack often occurs due to damage to stems by insects. See more at: How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.
Origin
Stapelia leendertziae f. cristata is a crested form of Stapelia leendertziae.
Links
- Back to genus Stapelia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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