These Dorstenia foetida are seedlings that were home-grown in the Living Desert Plants greenhouses. They are non-variegated seedlings from variegated parent plants.
Where it grows
Dorstenia foetida occupies a wide variety of habitats and areas in both Africa and Eurasia, including Ethiopia and Tanzania in the former, and Yemen and Oman in the latter.
Special features
It is a caudex succulent plant that can grow up to 40cm tall with many branches. The stems are covered in round scars called petioles, where older leaves that have since fallen off were attached to the stem. They make some of the strangest flowers in the succulent world, which are starfish-shaped and yellow. The seeds are small, and will be ejected from the flower as it ripens.
Care Guide
Dorstenia foetida is sensitive to too much light and should be kept under 60% shade cloth at minimum. An airy soil mix is ideal as they are quite susceptible to root rot if overwatered. A 1:1 mix of coco peat and perlite is ideal. Water well in spring and summer, but keep completely dry in winter.
Growing season
Spring and summer.
Propagation
Seeds and cuttings.