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Cactus Succulent

Orbea ciliata

A mat-forming succulent to 5cm tall, with erect, 4-angled, toothed stems, the tips tinged red. In summer it bears solitary, pale yellow, star-shaped flowers; these emit an umpleasant smell to attract pollinating flies

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red
Summer Green Red Yellow
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Orbea are leafless, clump-forming succulent perennials, the fleshy stems with large teeth on the angles, and showy, funnel-shaped, unpleasantly scented flowers in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa (Northern Cape, Eastern Cape)

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How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in standard cactus compost, topdressed with grit. Provide low humidity, with bright filtered light in summer, full light in winter. From spring until early autumn water moderately, applying a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 4-5 weeks. Keep dry at other times, but water sparingly on warm winter days to prevent shrivelling

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 18-24°C in spring. Take stem segment cuttings in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem rot if overwatered

Get involved

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