Stapelia divaricata.  Masson 

🌱 Morphology

 A stapeliad...Perennial succulent plant, with a low and irregular growth habit, forming small clumps through the branching of its stems from the base. The stems are thin compared to those of other species in the genus, generally 6–12 cm tall and around 0.5–1 cm thick. They feature four angles, small tubercles, and a finely pubescent surface, usually greenish-grey, often tinged with purple or reddish hues. Its growth is initially erect, but the branches tend to spread and extend outwards, a characteristic that explains the specific epithet divaricata.

The flowers are relatively small for a stapeliad, usually about 3–5 cm in diameter. They stand out for their waxy and shiny surface, with shades that can range from flesh-pink to dull purple. The five lobes of the corolla have margins curved backwards and a finely wrinkled texture, with sparse and minute hairs.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family

It is native to the province of the Western Cape, in South Africa, where it is known from localities near Swellendam and Buffeljachts. It grows in dry environments, on schist outcrops and stony ground, often growing among rocks and small shrubs on sunny slopes. Its natural distribution is restricted, and habitat loss has been identified as a threat to some of its populations. Its fleshy stems allow it to withstand periods of water scarcity.

Family: Apocynaceae. Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae. Tribe: Ceropegieae.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 10b

It tolerates minimum temperatures close to 1.7 °C as a guideline, although it should not be deliberately exposed to that limit. It is a species sensitive to frost and damp cold. It is recommended to keep it preferably above 8–10 °C during the winter, with good ventilation and the growing medium almost dry. The combination of low temperatures and persistent moisture can cause rot in the stems and roots.

☀️ Lighting

It develops best with intense light, from gentle direct sun to bright partial shade. Abundant exposure promotes compact growth and flowering, although sudden changes in exposure that may cause scorch should be avoided. In summer, in very warm climates, it may benefit from slight protection during the middle hours of the day. As a guideline, a DLI PAR of 15–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ can be targeted, adapting it to the temperature and the plant's acclimatization.

💧 Growth and watering cycle

Winter dormancy. Its growth is concentrated mainly during warm periods, while in winter its activity decreases. During spring and summer, it is recommended to water thoroughly and allow the growing medium to dry completely before watering again. In winter, water inputs should be considerably reduced, especially if temperatures are low. If it is kept in a warm environment and continues to grow, watering can be adjusted to its vegetative activity. It is preferable to under-water than to keep the roots damp for prolonged periods.

🌸 Flowering

Flowering can occur during the warm months and last until autumn, depending on growing conditions. The flowers appear on short peduncles and stand out for their waxy appearance, which is unusual among stapeliads. The corolla has five elongated lobes, in flesh-pink, mauve, or dull purple, with a finely wrinkled surface and recurved margins. The center is usually lighter and features reproductive structures characteristic of the Asclepiadoideae. The flowers may release an unpleasant scent that attracts pollinating flies, although its intensity varies between specimens.

🌿 Nutrition

During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, following the product's dosage instructions. It is advisable to maintain moderate fertilization, avoiding excess nitrogen, which can promote excessively soft growth. Fertilization should be reduced or suspended during winter dormancy. A well-aerated growing medium with fast drainage is essential to keep the stems healthy and prevent rot.

Gourmet black 9x9 cm pot

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot with a growing medium activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.