Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Caralluma hesperidium or Carrion plant

The genus Caralluma, family Apocynaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to the African continent. Some species are: Caralluma hesperidium, Caralluma acutangula, Caralluma burchardii, Caralluma edithae, Caralluma socotrana, Caralluma edulis.

Common name: Carrion plant. This species is native to Morocco.

They are curious succulent plants with thick fleshy stems (sometimes branched) of bluish green color with garnet spots that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. They do not have leaves but have 4 ribs with fleshy, pointed teeth without spines. They produce strange, star-shaped flowers with a velvety texture and purplish-brown color. They bloom during the summer.

They are used in pots or in rockeries and in gardens of succulents and cacti.

Caralluma hesperidium can be grown in full sun exposure but prefers light shade. It does not resist frost but in winter it is convenient to rest at 8-12 ºC (46-54 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture, in the same proportions, of leaf mulch or peat and coarse sand. It's important to lay a shallow layer of gravel or pebbles to protect the plant from excessive moisture.

Water moderately, waiting for the soil to completely dry out. In winter almost eliminate the irrigations; the plant wrinkles slightly if it needs water.

Fertilize in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents.

Pruning is not necessary.

They are sensitive to fungal diseases if humidity is excessive.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by rooting of suckers in a sandy substrate.

Images of the succulent plant Caralluma hesperidium or Carrion plant