Orbea dummeri
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Orbea dummeri

Star Fish Cactus · Hand Of Thorns

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
100
Observations
400

Description

Source: leafsnap

Orbea dummeri is a succulent plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Native to South Africa, it is commonly found in the Eastern Cape Province. The plant is known for its distinctive star-shaped flowers, which emit an odor reminiscent of rotting meat to attract flies for pollination. This plant typically grows up to 10 cm in height and features thick, fleshy stems with small leaves that have been reduced to spines. Its flowers are about 2 cm in diameter, with five petals fused at the base to form a star shape. Orbea dummeri prefers well-draining soil and requires minimal watering, as it can store water in its stems for extended periods. It thrives best under bright light but can also tolerate partial shade. Due to its unique appearance, Orbea dummeri is often grown as an ornamental plant. It also possesses medicinal properties and is used by traditional healers to treat ailments such as stomach disorders, fever, and headaches. In summary, Orbea dummeri is an intriguing succulent with unique features that make it stand out among its peers.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days
Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Partial sun

Ceropegia duemmeri comes from habitats with dappled light, such as the understory of forests or rocky sites that provide natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Ceropegia duemmeri performs best in warm conditions and requires higher temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolic processes. It prefers plenty of sunlight, the right level of moisture, and good air circulation. At the same time, it is vulnerable to harm from very low temperatures and from being overwatered. It’s important to maintain a balance and to avoid both excessively high temperatures and overly dry conditions.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: normal (40-60%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For Ceropegia duemmeri, small amounts of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for recently repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you start feeding. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooming.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years

When repotting Ceropegia duemmeri, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and replant it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Repot in spring or fall and place the plant in a brightly lit spot.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Vine, Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Orbea
Family
Apocynaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Brown
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall
Native Area
Kenya, Congo (DRC), Uganda, Tanzania

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Star Fish Cactus
en Hand Of Thorns