Stapelia variegata, Stapelia, Lizard Flower. C05

It is commonly known as Stapelia, lizard flower, dragon flower, star flower, chameleon flower and the scientific synonym Orbea variegata.

It is a small succulent plant that grows to a height of 25 cm and creates clusters of fleshy stems, with thorn-like protuberances and a quadrangular section.

As a curiosity, the flower of this plant smells like rotting meat and attracts flies with its stench.

It is widely used in rockeries and in planters and pots on balconies and windowsills. It is not recommended as a houseplant because of the bad smell of the flowers.

This plant needs a semi-shaded exposure and does not tolerate very high humidity. The temperature should not fall below 5 ºC and in winter (resting period) it should be 12 ºC.

The soil that these plants like is made up of 50% coarse sand and 50% leaf mould. It is advisable that the superficial part (about 2 cm) has gravel in order to avoid direct contact between the neck of the plant and the humidity of the soil.

Watering should be moderate in summer and reduced to a minimum in winter (water immediately if the stems begin to shrivel). Stapelia is not very resistant to repotting, which should be done in winter, making sure that it is only one and definitive.

Two fertilisations a year with mineral fertiliser for cacti and succulents will suffice.

This plant is not usually attacked by the usual pests, we only need to watch out for excessive watering.

They are easily propagated by stem cuttings in spring.