Upcoming : Halloween Terrarium Workshop Tuesday Oct. 13 @ 6 pm / Garden Stone Painting Night Tuesday Oct. 20 @ 6 pm / Dried Floral Book Workshop Thursday Oct 29 @ 6 pm / Moss Art Sunday Nov. 1 @ 2 pm
Dorstenia Foetida is an unusual succulent prized for its thick, sculptural trunk, irregular branching growth, and fascinating star-shaped flowers. Its swollen, water-storing stem develops a rugged, textured appearance as the plant matures, while clusters of green leaves emerge near the growing tips. One of its most distinctive features is its unusual green flowering structure, which resembles a tiny alien starfish. Its compact size and unusual appearance make it an excellent addition to succulent collections, caudex displays, and specialty plant collections.
The proper botanical name is Dorstenia foetida. It belongs to the Moraceae family, making it a relative of figs and other members of the mulberry family. Native to parts of northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it grows naturally in rocky, seasonally dry environments. Unlike traditional succulents, Dorstenia foetida produces unusual flattened flowering structures that contain numerous tiny flowers. These structures can eventually release seeds with surprising force, sometimes scattering them into nearby pots.
Dorstenia Foetida does best in bright, indirect light with some gentle direct sunlight. Morning or late-afternoon sun can encourage compact growth and healthy stem development. Avoid suddenly exposing the plant to intense afternoon sunlight, particularly if it has been grown in filtered conditions, as the foliage and stems can become scorched.
Allow the upper portion of the potting mix to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. During active growth, Dorstenia Foetida appreciates more consistent moisture than many desert cacti, but its roots should never remain soggy or waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly when the plant slows its growth or begins dropping leaves.
Use a very well-draining, gritty cactus or succulent potting mix in a container with drainage. A mixture containing pumice, perlite, lava rock, coarse mineral amendments, and a smaller amount of organic material works well. Excellent drainage is especially important because its thick, water-storing stem can be vulnerable to rot in constantly wet conditions.
Dorstenia Foetida prefers warm temperatures and low to moderate humidity. It grows best in warm, stable conditions with good airflow. Protect it from cold drafts and prolonged exposure to temperatures below approximately 55°F, particularly when the potting mix is
Upcoming : Halloween Terrarium Workshop Tuesday Oct. 13 @ 6 pm / Garden Stone Painting Night Tuesday Oct. 20 @ 6 pm / Dried Floral Book Workshop Thursday Oct 29 @ 6 pm / Moss Art Sunday Nov. 1 @ 2 pm
