Orbea variegata aka Carrion Flower

Orbea variegata is a compact, fast-growing succulent that reaches only 10 cm (4 inches) in height but spreads outward to form dense mats up to 50 cm (20 inches) wide, with some specimens reaching up to 1 meter in diameter under optimal conditions. The plant has sprawling, decumbent stems that are 4-angled and gray-green, becoming purple-mottled when grown in full sun. Despite its small stature, it grows quickly and can reach flowering maturity within 2-3 years from seed.

Orbea variegata is native to the coastal belt of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. In its natural habitat, it grows on gentle to occasionally steep stony slopes, sometimes sheltered under bushes but also fully exposed on rock slabs or ledges. The species is particularly common on sand, granite, or shale outcrops in semi-arid regions. It was first introduced into European cultivation in 1639 by a Dutch missionary.

Orbea variegata requires sandy, well-draining soil similar to standard cactus and succulent mixes. The RHS recommends a well-drained loam or sand mixture with standard cactus compost. A good mix is 30% potting soil and 70% non-organic material such as pumice, perlite, or coarse sand. The plant tolerates a range of soil pH levels (acid, neutral, or alkaline) but generally prefers mildly alkaline conditions around pH 7.5-8.5. Excellent drainage is absolutely critical—heavy, compacted soil will lead to root rot.

Orbea variegata prefers low humidity environments and does best in well-ventilated conditions. The RHS specifically recommends growing it 'under glass in bright, filtered light with low humidity'. High humidity can promote fungal diseases and rot, so avoid placing it in bathrooms or other humid areas. Good air circulation around the plant is important, especially after watering. In its native South African habitat, it grows in semi-arid regions with naturally low humidity.

During the active growing season, feed Orbea variegata every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. The RHS recommends this feeding schedule as part of standard cultivation. Stop fertilizing during winter dormancy when the plant's growth slows. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause weak, leggy growth. Some growers prefer using a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive stem growth.

Yes, Orbea variegata flowers produce a distinctive carrion (rotting meat) odor, which is why it's commonly called 'Carrion Flower'. This smell attracts carrion flies for pollination through chemical mimicry. However, the scent is relatively mild compared to other stapeliad species and is only noticeable when you're very close to the blooms. LLIFLE describes it as having a 'light carrion smell', and many growers find it's not objectionable enough to prevent indoor growing. The odor is typically strongest in warm conditions and dissipates quickly.

Orbea variegata produces spectacular star-shaped flowers measuring 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) across, typically blooming from late summer to fall. The five-pointed flowers have a greenish-yellow to off-white background heavily speckled with chocolate-brown to dark purple-red blotches, giving them a leopard-like pattern. Each flower has a central pentagonal annulus (corona) that is also marked with spots. The flowers are highly variable in pattern, with some showing regular markings and others more irregular blotches. Plants grown in full sun produce the most prolific blooms.

Orbea variegata can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9a-11b (minimum temperatures 20°F/-6.7°C). The RHS rates it as H2 hardiness, meaning it tolerates low temperatures but cannot survive freezing (minimum 1-5°C). In colder climates, grow it as a container plant that can be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). The plant is frost-sensitive and will be damaged by freezing conditions. Outdoors, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, similar to cacti growing conditions.

Orbea variegata requires minimal to no pruning. The RHS specifically states 'No pruning required' for this species. You may remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems as needed, cutting cleanly with sterile tools. After flowering, spent flower stems can be removed for aesthetic purposes. If the plant becomes too large for its space, you can remove outer stems to control spread—these cuttings can be propagated into new plants. Generally, this low-maintenance succulent is best left to grow naturally.

Repot Orbea variegata every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. The best time to repot is in spring at the beginning of the growing season. Use a shallow, wide pot rather than a deep one, as the plant has a spreading growth habit with relatively shallow roots. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes. When repotting, use fresh well-draining cactus mix, and allow the plant to settle for a few days before watering to let any root damage heal.

Orbea variegata propagates easily through both stem cuttings and seeds. For cuttings, remove a healthy stem section (sometimes already with roots attached), let it dry for 1-2 days to callous over, then plant in well-draining soil. Roots typically form within 2-4 weeks. Propagation is best done in spring or summer during the growing season. For seeds, sow fresh seeds at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring; they germinate readily. Seedlings grow quickly and can flower within 2-3 years. According to PlantZAfrica, stem cuttings are the easiest method.

Orbea variegata thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the growing season, though it tolerates a wider range from 60-86°F (16-30°C). It's heat-resistant and handles high temperatures well. However, it's not frost-hardy and should be protected when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Minimum survival temperature is around 20°F (-6.7°C) but prolonged cold exposure damages the plant. In winter, it prefers cooler conditions (50-65°F/10-18°C) which promotes dormancy and better flowering the following season.

The most common pests are mealybugs and scale insects, though the plant is generally resistant to most issues. The RHS notes it 'may attract mealybugs' but is 'generally disease-free'. Importantly, LLIFLE states this species is notably resistant to black spot disease, which is common in other Asclepiads. The biggest threat is root rot from overwatering—always ensure soil dries completely between waterings. Monitor for mealybugs (white cottony clusters) and treat with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or neem oil. Good air circulation and proper watering prevent most problems.

Orbea variegata is pollinated by carrion flies, attracted to the flowers through an ingenious form of chemical mimicry. The star-shaped flowers emit an odor resembling rotting meat, combined with vibratile hairs around the corolla edges that simulate decomposing flesh. This attracts necrophilous (carrion-feeding) flies that typically lay eggs on decaying matter. The flies inadvertently transfer pollen as they investigate the flowers. After successful pollination, the plant produces elongated follicles (seed pods) up to 12 cm long that eventually burst open to release wind-dispersed seeds with feathery hair tufts.

While Orbea variegata historically had around 50 named varieties due to its highly variable flower patterns, modern taxonomy now recognizes these as a single, naturally variable species. The flowers show remarkable variation in their spotted patterns—some have regular, evenly distributed markings while others display irregular blotches. Flower color ranges from greenish-yellow to off-white backgrounds with chocolate to dark purple-red spots. This natural variability means each plant can produce uniquely patterned flowers, making it especially appealing to collectors. The plant has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.