Without flowers, Stapelia surrecta and Stapelia arenosa cannot be distinguished as their stems have similar thickness and color, and they both exhibit a rather diffuse growth habit, forming loose clumps. However, the flowers of Stapelia surrecta are quite distinctive.
Scientific Name
Stapelia surrecta N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia surrecta, Gonostemon surrectus
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: Stapelia
Etymology
The specific epithet "surrecta" (pronounced sur-REK-tuh) means "gotten up, having been gotten up, arisen, having been arisen" and refers to decumbent stems of this species.
Origin
Stapelia surrecta is native to South Africa. It grows on stony slopes under bushes from the foot of Bloukrans Pass to Toorberg, northwest of Matjiesfontein and Ceres Karoo.
Description
Stapelia surrecta is a small succulent plant that forms diffuse clumps with a few green, relatively stout stems tinged with purple. The stems are decumbent, shortly pubescent, and have long, obtusely conical tubercles widely spaced along the stem and typically joined into four angles. They can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) thick.
During the fall, Stapelia surrecta produces striking flowers held on a fairly long stalk and facing upward. They can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm) and typically appear near the tip of the stems, either solitary or in clusters of 2 to 8, opening gradually. The corolla is mainly pinkish-brown on the outside, while the inside color ranges from pinkish-brown, becoming paler and yellowish towards the center, to yellow suffused with brown towards the tips of the lobes. The inner surface of the corolla is usually smooth and slightly shiny. The corona, which is about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) tall and wide, is raised on an obtusely pentagonal stipe and varies in color from bright red to pale yellow.
How to Grow and Care for Stapelia surrecta
Light: Stapelia surrecta thrives in full sun or partial shade during the hottest summer days. Too much sun causes the stems to develop a protective pigmentation or get sunburned. Not enough light leads to weak, thin stems and fewer flowers. Indoors, place the plant near a sunny window in your home.
Soil: The right soil is crucial to growing a healthy plant. Use commercial soil for succulents, or prepare your own mix with 50% to 70% mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm outdoor environments but does not like winter cold and should remain moderately dry and warm during its winter dormancy. Stapelia surrecta grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Watering: It has typical watering needs for a succulent. During the growing season, water your plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before watering again. The plant goes dormant in winter and needs almost no water, about once a month.
Fertilizing: To keep it thriving, fertilization during the growing season is a good idea. Feed with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Stapelia surrecta will benefit from fresh potting soil every 2 or 3 years. Repot it in spring, just before the growing season starts. Pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: The best way to propagate this succulent is by stem cuttings. It is also easy to grow from seeds. Take cuttings during the growing season to ensure good rooting. Sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.
Toxicity of Stapelia surrecta
Stapelia surrecta has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans.
Links
- Back to genus Stapelia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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