About
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.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa (Northern Cape, Eastern Cape)
Care notes
CultivationUnder 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 18-24°C in spring. Take stem segment cuttings in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to stem rot if overwatered