Hi, I believe it is some sort of Stapelia. I used to have this plant.

I can't remember the species name. But it is quite a common species.

It's in the stapelia/huernia group. That's as far as I can take it!

Until it blooms, it will be very difficult/ impossible to identify because the stems of most Stapeliads are so similar in appearance.

x

Thanks Xerophyte. I couldn't figure it out when comparing to googled photos of huernias and stapelias. Now I know why. I'll try to get it to flower and then give it a go.

M

M

Looks like there are bark chips along with peat moss in those pots...unless you really know what you're doing, you're asking for trouble.

Also they appear to be over-potted. Stapeliads have a reputation of turning into mush suddenly and unexpectedly. When I used to incorporate peat into my soil, I had it happen to me. Since I stopped using peat and organic components, I have not lost one in a decade. In the summer they like lots of water and 90F+ heat in part-sun, which will reward you with plentiful stinky flowers in late summer.

Some modifications might be a good idea if you have any hopes of flowering them and getting an ID.

x

I know what you're talking about w/ the mush. Two did this when I repotted in August and it was disgusting. I touched one because it looked funny and it was all goo.

Yeah, there is some peat in that mix but also a whole lot of sand. Should I wait until spring to repot and in the mean time avoid water to the point of saturation? I guess I could just mist the soil until the top 1 cm is moist every few weeks or so. What potting mix do you use for a plant like this? I know some recommend a mix or turface, perlite, sand, etc. Also, how often should I fertilize during active growth?

I had them outside in the blaring sun from August when I got them until temps dropped below 50 degrees at night. They really seemed to like this and grew quite well. Thanks for your consideration.

M

Sand is not a good soil component either unless only used in small amounts. I use unglazed, un-dyed coarse gravel from the pet store. Here it costs $2.99 for a 5-lb bag. I mix that about 50-50 with soil from my garden. The soil is high in clay. When wet, it stays together. When mixed with gravel, it crumbles apart easily.

I also add lava rock for those species that are more sensitive to overwatering. For me, Stapeliads do not qualify. If I were exposing them to unobstructed rain, then I would add lots more drainage material. Most of my plants are protected from rain in an unheated greenhouse.

Since I use garden soil, extra fertilizer is not necessary, and when I repot in 2-3 yrs, the new soil will have new nutrients. Keep in mind though the soil I use has minimal compost and humus. It would be considered poor. I have a patch where I "quarry" from that remains bare.

I would repot now. Keeping them in peat increases the likelihood the roots will dessicate, making it also more likely for the plant to rot when you start to water in the spring. I water mine lightly occasionally during the winter.

As far as temps go, I have never had a problem exposing my Stapeliads to temps down to 29-30F. They are still outdoors now. Even Pseudolithos from "hot" Somalia doesn't mind the cold. I'd bring them in but space is limited so I stretch it out as much as I can.

x