Stapelia in Flower

[Raj]

Thanks both, I’ll do that. I’ve got two so I may let one explode! Sounds fun.

What was the pollinator here.

[Herts Mike]

Fly probably.

[habanerocat]

Is it unusual for the pods to form? Never had one form before.
Are the seeds of any value?
I don't know the name of this or where I got it. It's years old. Anybody know?

[Herts Mike]

Really need a picture of the flower.

[habanerocat]

Really need a picture of the flower.

Thanks, I'll hopefully remember next summer.

[Diane]

It’s not that unusual for seed horns to form. I’m fairly certain that some Stapeliads are self-fertile, and it only takes a wandering fly to pollinate them.
It could be quite interesting to sow any seeds (you’ll need to make sure the pod doesn’t suddenly burst, by tying it with wire or thread, or something) just to see whether the resulting plants are in any way different, therefore hybrids.
I’ve got a few pods on mine, which I might sow just out of interest.

[Smel]

Hi,
In resent years my collecion of Stapelias as dwindled to almost nothing, but I too had the odd seed horn! but no success with the seeds. I have had a flower with maggots in it STAPELIA FLAVIROSTRIS, I'll see if I can find the picture!

Any Staelias going spare, or for swaps or sale??


Mel.

STAPELIA FLAVIROSTRIS

PS Sorry their not very visable, small white things around Stigma area...

[Bob 3]

Super flower, even if smelly. Once you have had this in flower, it's easy to get lured into getting more stapeliads.

Hi Ralph
I would like to get lured into Stapeliads,compost,taking cuttings, winter temperatures.
I know nothing about Stapeliads

[ianstrutt]

Super flower, even if smelly. Once you have had this in flower, it's easy to get lured into getting more stapeliads.

Hi Ralph
I would like to get lured into Stapeliads,compost,taking cuttings, winter temperatures.
I know nothing about Stapeliads

I've always had it in my head that they're quite finicky to grow and not tolerant of any cold, which has always put me off. Is this a gross generalisation or is there some truth in this?

[ralphrmartin]

Many seem prone to a fungal problem called black rot, and higher winter temperatures (15C say) can help prevent this, although many Piaranthus, and e.g. Orbea variegata seem to stand cold (down to 5C say).

Lower humidity helps too, as probably does not having the compost wet for too long in cool conditions. I grow most of mine in pure pumice, to avoid the pathogens you can get in composts with humus and soil. Many in nature grow in the shade of bushes, so while they will take heat, they dont necessarily like to be in frazzling sun (Hoodias and Tirchocaulons are exceptions).

Cuttings are taken in the usual way - cut, leave to dry for a week or so, then pot up, but I find they can take quite a while to root. I think Herts Mike can advise better on this - I think he uses bottom heat.

What else have I forgotten, Mike?