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Piaranthus decorus
The plant likes partial shade. The plant can be grown outdoors in summer.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
It can withstand temperatures down to -1.1 °C for short periods. However, the plant is not frost-resistant.
The plant originates from southern Africa, where it grows in rocky and dry areas.
Piaranthus decorus is a succulent also known under the scientific name Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus. It belongs to a group of plants related to so-called carrion flowers and is characterized by a low, creeping growth habit. The species is mainly appreciated for its unusual flowers and compact form.
The plant produces four-angled green stems that spread along the ground and gradually form a dense mat. Individual stems can reach a length of up to about 5 cm and a thickness of around 2 cm. Growth remains low and spreading, without upright shoots.
The flowers are star-shaped and can reach up to about 4 cm in diameter. They appear in clusters of up to five flowers, which open together in autumn. The flower surface is densely hairy, greenish yellow in color, and marked with reddish brown to brown spots.
For cultivation, a well-draining substrate and a semi-shaded position are suitable. In these conditions, the plants show healthy green to reddish coloration. Fertilizing can be done sparingly, using a fertilizer intended for cacti and succulents. Piaranthus decorus is an interesting succulent for growers looking for a less common, ground-spreading plant with distinctive flowers.