Orbea (Diplocyatha) Ciliata | Orbea / Stapelia | Apocynaceae

Orbea ciliata - Starfish Stapelia

Origin and Habitat

Orbea ciliata, commonly known as Starfish Stapelia, is a mat-forming succulent native to the Karoo Desert in South Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is also known as Diplocyatha ciliata. The plant has green decumbent or ascending stems with purple-brown markings and small, soft, and hairy tubercles, giving it a velvety texture. It can reach a height of 10 cm and a width of 30 cm.

The star-shaped flowers of Orbea ciliata have a diameter of about 5 cm and are usually dark brown or purple. They emit a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts flies for pollination. The plant blooms in the summer and fall, and the flowers last for about a week.

Orbea ciliata is an easy-to-grow succulent that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm and dry environments. It is important to let the soil dry out completely before watering again to avoid root rot.

Propagation of Orbea ciliata can be done through stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Seeds can be sown in the spring.

In conclusion, Orbea ciliata is a beautiful and easy-to-grow succulent with unique star-shaped flowers and a velvety texture. With minimal care, it can thrive and bloom for years to come.

Description

Orbea ciliata, also known as the Starfish Stapelia, is a mat-forming succulent native to the Karoo Desert in South Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is popular among succulent enthusiasts for its unique appearance.

The stems of Orbea ciliata are green, decumbent or ascending, and marked with purple-brown. The plant produces star-shaped flowers that are yellowish-brown in color and emit a strong, unpleasant odor. The flowers are about 2-3 cm in diameter and covered in fine hairs.

Orbea ciliata is relatively easy to care for and is a great choice for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Propagation of Orbea ciliata can be done through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry out for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.

In summary, Orbea ciliata is a unique and interesting succulent that is relatively easy to care for. Its star-shaped flowers and purple-brown markings make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts.

Caring for Orbea ciliata

Orbea ciliata, also known as the Starfish Stapelia, is a mat-forming succulent native to the Karoo Desert in South Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is popular among succulent enthusiasts for its unique star-shaped flowers.

The stems of Orbea ciliata are green and decumbent or ascending, marked with purple-brown. The plant grows up to 10 cm in height and spreads up to 30 cm in diameter. The leaves are small and inconspicuous, falling off early in the plant's life.

The star-shaped flowers of Orbea ciliata are the main attraction. They are up to 5 cm in diameter and usually yellow or brown with purple markings. The flowers emit a strong odor that attracts flies for pollination. They bloom in the summer and fall and can last up to a week.

Orbea ciliata is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant.

Propagation of Orbea ciliata can be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be allowed to dry out for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. They should be kept in a warm, bright location and watered sparingly until they establish roots.

In conclusion, Orbea ciliata is a unique and beautiful succulent that is easy to care for and makes a great addition to any succulent collection. With proper care, it can thrive for many years.

Propagation

Orbea ciliata, also known as the Starfish Stapelia, is a mat-forming succulent native to the Karoo Desert in South Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is popular among succulent enthusiasts for its unique star-shaped flowers.

The stems of Orbea ciliata are green and decumbent or ascending, marked with purple-brown. The plant can grow up to 10 cm in height and 30 cm in width, making it an ideal choice for ground cover in a succulent garden.

The star-shaped flowers of Orbea ciliata are the main attraction. They can grow up to 5 cm in diameter and are usually yellow or brown with purple markings. The flowers emit a strong odor that is similar to that of rotting meat, attracting flies, which are the primary pollinators of this plant.

Orbea ciliata is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It can be propagated easily from stem cuttings and quickly fills in empty spaces in a succulent garden.

In conclusion, Orbea ciliata is a unique and attractive succulent that is perfect for ground cover in a succulent garden. Its star-shaped flowers and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts.