Stapelia Mutabilis | Orbea / Stapelia | Apocynaceae

Stapelia Mutabilis - Origin, Description, Care, and Propagation | SucculentHelp

Origin and Habitat of Stapelia Mutabilis

Stapelia mutabilis, also known as Orbea mutabilis, is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa. It was first raised from seeds in the Imperial garden at Vienna in the 18th century and has since become popular among succulent enthusiasts.

One of the most striking features of Stapelia mutabilis is its star-shaped blooms resembling a purple starfish. These flowers can grow up to 3 inches in diameter and have a unique velvet-like texture. They emit a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts flies and other pollinators.

Stapelia mutabilis is a low-growing succulent that forms clusters of slender stems reaching up to 6 inches in length. The stems are green and covered in small bumps, giving them a unique texture. This plant is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

For optimal growth, Stapelia mutabilis prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and can be grown indoors or outdoors in a sunny location.

If you're looking for a unique and exotic succulent to add to your collection, Stapelia mutabilis is an excellent choice. Its star-shaped blooms and unusual texture make it a standout plant that is sure to impress.

At SucculentHelp, we offer a wide selection of succulents, including Stapelia mutabilis. Browse our collection today to find the perfect plant for your home or garden.

Description of Stapelia Mutabilis

Stapelia mutabilis, also known as Orbea mutabilis, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is popular among succulent enthusiasts due to its unique star-shaped flowers.

The stems of Stapelia mutabilis are slender and tend to prostrate towards the soil, forming tufts of fleshy stems. The leaves are small and inconspicuous, with the plant's main attraction being its flowers. The flowers are star-shaped, growing up to 10 cm in diameter. They can be purple, brown, or green and have a strong odor resembling rotting meat, attracting flies for pollination.

Stapelia mutabilis is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light conditions. It can grow well under any light conditions and withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water only when the soil is completely dry.

If you want to grow Stapelia mutabilis, plant it in well-draining soil mix. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry for a few days before planting. Seeds can also be used for propagation, sown in well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination.

In conclusion, Stapelia mutabilis is a unique and hardy succulent perfect for any collection. Its star-shaped flowers and strong odor make it a conversation starter, while its easy care requirements make it suitable for beginners.

Caring for Stapelia Mutabilis

Stapelia mutabilis, also known as Orbea mutabilis, is a succulent plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to South Africa and was first raised from seeds in the Imperial garden at Vienna in the 18th century. This succulent is popular among gardeners and succulent enthusiasts because of its unique star-shaped blooms resembling a purple starfish.

The stems of Stapelia mutabilis are slender and tend to prostrate towards the soil, forming tufts of fleshy stems. The plant can grow up to 15 cm in height and 30 cm in width. The leaves are small and inconspicuous, with the flowers being the main attraction.

The flowers of Stapelia mutabilis are large and showy, with five pointed petals fused at the base. They are usually purple and have a velvety texture. The blooms can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and emit a strong odor resembling rotting meat, attracting flies for pollination.

Stapelia mutabilis is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, but it requires bright, indirect light to thrive. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering.

In conclusion, Stapelia mutabilis is a unique and fascinating succulent that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any garden or indoor space. Its star-shaped blooms and unusual odor make it a conversation starter, while its easy care requirements make it suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Propagation of Stapelia Mutabilis

Stapelia mutabilis, also known as Orbea mutabilis, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It was first raised from seeds in the Imperial garden at Vienna in the 18th century. This unique succulent is characterized by its slender stems that tend to prostrate towards the soil and curl in tufts of fleshy stems.

One of the most striking features of Stapelia mutabilis is its star-shaped blooms. The flowers are purple and resemble a starfish, which is why it is also known as the Purple Starfish plant. The blooms are about 2 inches in diameter and have a velvety texture. They emit a foul odor similar to that of rotting meat, attracting flies for pollination.

Stapelia mutabilis is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light conditions. It can grow well under any light conditions and tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a slow-growing plant, reaching up to 6 inches in height and 12 inches in width.

If you want to grow Stapelia mutabilis, plant it in well-draining soil and water sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Protect the plant from frost and extreme heat.

Stapelia mutabilis is a great addition to any succulent collection. Its unique star-shaped blooms and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. Add a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor or outdoor space by growing Stapelia mutabilis.

Common Problems with Stapelia Mutabilis

Stapelia mutabilis, also known as Orbea mutabilis, is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa. It was first raised from seeds in the Imperial garden at Vienna in the 18th century. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is a member of the Stapelia genus. This succulent is characterized by its star-shaped flowers resembling a purple starfish.

The stems of Stapelia mutabilis are slender and tend to prostrate towards the soil, forming tufts of fleshy stems. The leaves are reduced to small scales, and the plant's main attraction is its flowers. The flowers are large, fleshy, and have a unique velvet-like texture. They are usually purple but can also be brown or green.

Stapelia mutabilis is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow well under any light conditions, making it ideal for indoor cultivation. This succulent is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds.

If you want to grow Stapelia mutabilis, plant it in well-draining soil and water sparingly. This succulent is susceptible to root rot, so avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

In conclusion, Stapelia mutabilis is a unique and exotic succulent that adds a touch of beauty to any indoor garden. Its star-shaped flowers are a sight to behold and will leave a lasting impression. With proper care and maintenance, this succulent can thrive and bring joy for many years to come.