Growing Orbea: The Quirky Star-Flowered Succulent That’s Out of This World
If you’re looking for a conversation starter in your garden, meet Orbea – a genus of succulent plants that produces some of the most unusual flowers you’ll ever encounter. These South African natives are like the aliens of the plant world, with their bizarre star-shaped blooms that look more like something from a sci-fi movie than your typical garden flower.
What Makes Orbea Special?
Orbea plants are succulent perennials that belong to the same family as milkweeds. What sets them apart is their absolutely mesmerizing flowers – intricate five-pointed stars that often feature wild patterns, unusual textures, and colors that range from deep purples and browns to yellows with intricate markings. Don’t be surprised if these flowers have a less-than-pleasant smell though – they’re designed to attract flies for pollination!
Where Does Orbea Come From?
These fascinating plants are native to the arid regions of South Africa, where they’ve adapted to harsh, dry conditions. In their homeland, they sprawl across rocky outcrops and sandy soils, making them perfectly suited for drought-tolerant gardening.
Should You Grow Orbea in Your Garden?
Orbea can be a fantastic addition to your plant collection if you’re drawn to unique, low-maintenance succulents. Here are some reasons you might want to consider growing them:
- Extremely drought-tolerant once established
- Fascinating, unusual flowers that are great conversation pieces
- Low maintenance and easy to grow in the right conditions
- Perfect for rock gardens, containers, and xeriscapes
- Interesting architectural form even when not blooming
However, since Orbea isn’t native to North America, you might also consider exploring native alternatives like certain Asclepias species (native milkweeds) or native cacti and succulents that provide similar drought tolerance while supporting local ecosystems.
Growing Conditions and Care
Orbea plants are surprisingly easy to grow if you can provide their basic needs:
Light: These plants love bright, indirect light. If growing indoors, a south-facing window works well. Outdoors, they can handle morning sun but appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Soil: The golden rule with Orbea is drainage, drainage, drainage! Use a well-draining succulent mix or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand, perlite, and small gravel.
Water: Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. During winter, reduce watering even further as the plants enter dormancy.
Temperature: Orbea thrives in USDA zones 9-11. If you live in colder areas, grow them in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in containers with drainage holes – this cannot be overstated!
- Use a cactus or succulent fertilizer sparingly during the growing season
- Protect from frost – bring containers indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F
- Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container
- Watch for root rot, which is usually caused by overwatering
Garden Design Ideas
Orbea works beautifully in:
- Container gardens and patio displays
- Rock gardens with other drought-tolerant plants
- Xeriscapes and Mediterranean-style landscapes
- Indoor succulent collections
- Greenhouse displays
The Bottom Line
Orbea plants offer something truly unique for gardeners who appreciate the unusual and don’t mind a plant that marches to its own drummer. While they won’t support native wildlife like indigenous plants would, they’re fascinating specimens that require minimal care once you understand their needs. Just remember – when it comes to Orbea, less is definitely more, especially when it comes to watering!
Whether you’re a succulent enthusiast or just someone who loves plants that start conversations, Orbea might just be the perfect addition to your collection. Just don’t blame us when visitors spend more time staring at those weird and wonderful flowers than admiring the rest of your garden!
