Caralluma speciosa

Tropical succulent from E Africa nice in a pot, makes dramatic burgundy and gold flowers atop clumping stems. Milkweed family.
height 1–3ft
width 8–18in
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots
water
info
This asclepiad is from the desert as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your Caralluma begin to shrivel or lose firmness, it is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant won’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry water it.

This plant comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and will be intolerant of overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to
40F
indoor
outdoor
Indoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin NE Africa
california
native
No
sunset
zones
13, 23, 24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Indoor Exposure Guide

INDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Direct Sun
Beams of light hitting the plant near a window four or more hours a day. The most intense light. If you're in a direct sun spot, you can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Partial Direct
Occurs when you have a plant that is in less intense direct sunlight. This happens when a plant is in a few hours of direct morning sun, or an hour or less of direct afternoon sun. It also happens when a plant is in direct sun, but more than six feet from a window, where the light is diffused.

Bright Indirect
This is just beyond the direct beam of light (or through cracked blinds or a sheer curtain filtering direct sun). Bright indirect areas are characterized by a place where you can sit and read a novel comfortably without artificial light.

Moderate Indirect
Beyond the bright indirect light. In these areas you wouldn't turn on a light walking through the room, but if you were hanging out there you would probably have the lights on, even during the day.

Low Light
Dim spots, usually the backs of rooms or hallways where you would always turn lights on, even if just walking in to grab something.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Caralluma speciosa is averse to cold conditions and it is best brought in during the winter, when temperatures drop. It can be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of Southern California, or areas there with shelter such as a covered porch.

Special Interest

The unusual flowers are a serious conversation starter.