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This Plant Stinks

I'm not sure if this is the proper section, feel free to move it if needed.

Huernia oculata

This is a small growing Stapeliad relative I recently picked up, despite having a moratorium set on new plants. It's a very attractive species. This one has bell shaped flowers.

When I saw this, and particularly after I smelled the flower, I knew I had to have it. I've had no luck with Bulbophyllums but Stapeliads seem to do alright for me, and no collection is truly complete until you grow something stinky. This flower has the stereotypical Stapeliad and/or Bulbophyllum putrid rot smell.

Fortunate for me, I suppose, it's not a terribly strong odor. So, it doesn't assault my nose from across the room or anything. It's definitely not something I'd want my house smelling like, but it's certainly not quite as revolting as the smell of actual rotting garbage. I guess what I'm admitting to is that in its own sort of way, I find the smell compelling.

http://i.imgur.com/8GmCQ7ul.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9PhD74Fl.jpg

Your orchid is really different looking I am not sure if I could stand the smell as you described it as being one of the stinky orchids like something rotting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter (Post 749527)

I really love it when people post pics of these beautiful but smelly plants. Other people that is! Thanks for putting up with the stink for me and those like me!

Lovely flower! how big/tall is the plant?

One of these days I'll have to obtain one. I currently have H. schneideriana whose flowers have a faint fecal odor and H. zebrina whose flowers are scentless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul (Post 749546)

I've had some Heurnia hybrids before, but as of right now, I've only got zebrina and oculata, both in bloom right now, maybe it's time to hybridize.

This species has shorter, fatter stems than zebrina. So, maybe 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm) height? This plant has several stems, all of which are less than 2" high.

What a weird one, very cool.

Cool flowers, fascinating plant.

What a strange succulent

How are you growing this?

I've been trying my hand at huernia and stapelia for a few years now and I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I can't get blooms. Worse still, I've killed a couple and I don't know why. I'm not new to cacti/succulents...I've grown many for years and before orchids I had tons. Of course, the orchids have pushed most out, but, anyway...don't know what I'm doing wrong w/these things. ?? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Katrina, my zebrina and schneideriana share the same pot/bowl (6" across, roughly 2" deep at the center, plastic with drain holes). It's a 50/50 mix -- large grade perlite and peat. The Huernia have filled the pot (with schneid. spilling over the edges). There is a cache "basin" underneath. I typically water once a week. I don't empty out the cache basin as there is no contact between the water and the base of the pot. Much to my amusement, I discovered one day that at least one of the Hue. had sent roots down into the water that had accumulated. Mine gets enough light exposure for the stems to get a purple blush during the summer months. Household temps typically are the mid to upper 60s by night, and 70s+ by day.