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Conv3rgence

Questions on Stapeliads, Ascelpiads, Alien Flower Beasts

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What soil mix for Australian climate? Would this work? a mix of perlite, pot mix, orchid bark and pumice?

What are the tell tale signs they are thirsty, to hot, to cold, needing nutrients?

What temperatures before I can start watering? Is season safe for them?

Best practices for rooting cuttings? How long do cuttings keep?

Misting in spring/summer?

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These aren't mine but I have these species and quite a few others, but they are just stalks in pots, rooted cuttings from previous spring, gifted by a mate. Actually, the third photo is mine, but it's not flowering now. I've got a few hybrid Huernia zebrinas that should look cool if I don't kill them. But I have no idea with these plants.

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Edited by Conv3rgence

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If you're in perth you're blessed with an optimal climate I reckon . In Perth my stapeliads were prolific and self sowed in the garden . Had them growing in pots with basically sand from the backyard lol. They loved it hot with heaps of water in summer. Kept out of direct sun. Honestly can't remember if I watered them in winter. Just treat them like your trichs as for watering would be my advice. I don't think you can go too wrong in that climate. But over east I have found them more susceptible to rot than most cacti I have grown (subtropics). Just make sure the mix is well draining. Not sure if bark is a bad idea.

Quick to root by placing on top of dry sand mix or pushing slightly into the mix (laying segment down) and water once it has roots. Take a few days to callous the segment. Cuttings of stapeliads keep for a fair while lol duno how long :P

Also if they go limp and floppy they might need a drink. This happened with mine and I thought it was rotting but with water came good.

If you are attempting to grow less succulent types they would have different requirements obviously. Like Hoyas, they like it more lush.

Hope that helps a bit

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Thanks guys, good to have relevant Australian information. Theres not a lot online about Stapeliads compared to cacti and succulents. Maybe its the stinking carrion flowers. I think they look stunning though, and i love weird stuff.

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Im glad you asked this question conv3gence.

I have collected a few cuttings over time that just dont look happy. I will be using some of these tips and then i hope i can finally get some stinky flowers

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Mine are happy in full summer sun over here in Sydney, just gotta keep the water up to it. There in the ground next to my trichs and they flower like mad. Sandy organic soil is what I use.

Edit; they go redish if they need water or less sun. I always ignore the less sun thing tho and just give em a drink

Edited by theuserformallyknownasd00d

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I'm not in Australia, but I agree with what everyone has said, and I also treat them much like my trichs. My stapeliads can be weened into full sunlight given enough water, and huernias seem to grow okay wherever they want. They are pretty good at bouncing back too. I've seen huernias survive a light frost, but with scarring. I grow Huernia Schneideriana cuttings to give out to friends who visit and want something to take home. One of my mother plants has been growing in a coffee cup half full of a heavy clay dirt for years now and is perfectly happy. I find those to be particularly forgiving.

On a side note, I had the opportunity to learn bronze casting and sacrificed a few cuttings to make this:

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The person I gifted it to requested I leave the investment (white stuff) on, so I'll never get to see how it truly came out.

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