Scientific Name
Stapelianthus pilosus Lavranos & D.S. Hardy
Synonyms
Trichocaulon decaryi, Ceropegia pilosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Stapelianthus
Description
Stapelianthus pilosus is an clump-forming, richly branched stem succulent up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Stems are cylindrical, green to very dark brown, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. The leaves emerge green in spring, but quickly begin assuming their bright, eye-catching hues. Flowers are with 5 triangular lobes, yellow with brown spots and up to 0.7 inch (1.8 cm) across.
Photo via aridgarden.blogspot.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. They should be treated as an outdoor plant as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. Stapeliads require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering.
These plants come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and fall, with flowering in fall when the weather starts to cool down. In growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water between late fall and early spring.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Seed is also a method of propagation.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Origin
Stapelianthus pilosus is native to Madagascar and is concentrated in the far south of the island.
Links
- Back to genus Stapelianthus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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