About
A cactus-like perennial with erect angled stems to 10cm in height, bearing up to 5 star-shaped whitish flowers 5-8cm across, heavily spotted with deep reddish-purple.
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, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by cuttings of stem sections after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free