Apocynaceae
Orbea schweinfurthii: Low Water Needs
Orbea schweinfurthii
Thrives in bright, indirect light with very well-draining soil. Water only when the substrate is completely dry and keep nearly dry during winter months.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
12° - 35°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Orbea schweinfurthii?
Orbea schweinfurthii (Orbea schweinfurthii) is a medium-care plant from the Apocynaceae family. Orbea schweinfurthii is a low-growing, succulent perennial that forms dense mats of decumbent, four-angled stems. The stems are typically light green to grey-green, often mottled with purple when exposed to high light. It is most famous for its unique, star-shaped flowers which are small, yellowish-...
Orbea schweinfurthii grows up to 10cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 14 days, 12°C â 35°C, 30â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Orbea schweinfurthii is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Orbea schweinfurthii?
TLDR: Orbea schweinfurthii needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 12-35°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Orbea schweinfurthii?
Use the 'soak and dry' method. Ensure the pot never sits in standing water, as this species is highly susceptible to stem and root rot.
How Much Light Does Orbea schweinfurthii Need?
Provide bright light to encourage flowering and purple stem coloration, but avoid intense midday sun which can scorch the stems.
What Is the Best Soil for Orbea schweinfurthii?
Use a mix consisting of 50% pumice or perlite and 50% organic matter to ensure maximum drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Orbea schweinfurthii?
Shallow terracotta pots are ideal to allow for rapid evaporation and to accommodate its spreading growth habit.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Orbea schweinfurthii and Where Does It Come From?
Orbea schweinfurthii is a low-growing, succulent perennial that forms dense mats of decumbent, four-angled stems. The stems are typically light green to grey-green, often mottled with purple when exposed to high light. It is most famous for its unique, star-shaped flowers which are small, yellowish-green, and densely covered with dark maroon or purple spots and papillae. Like many members of the Stapeliad family, the flowers emit a faint carrion-like odor to attract fly pollinators.
How to Propagate Orbea schweinfurthii?
Stem Cuttings
- Avoid watering until roots have begun to form to prevent rot.
- Use a rooting hormone if desired, though it is rarely necessary.
- 1 Take Cutting
Sever a healthy stem segment at the joint using a sterile blade.
- 2 Callous
Leave the cutting in a dry, shaded area for 3-5 days until the cut end forms a hard callous.
- 3 Plant
Place the calloused end into a dry cactus and succulent soil mix. Do not water for the first week.
Materials needed:
Division of Clumps
- Ensure the new section has at least one healthy stem and some root initials.
- 1 Separate Clump
Gently pull apart a section of the mat that already has small roots forming where stems touch the ground.
- 2 Pot Up
Replant the rooted section into a new container with appropriate drainage.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Orbea schweinfurthii Grow?
TLDR: Orbea schweinfurthii can reach up to 10cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with resilience and the ability to find beauty in harsh, arid environments.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
