Contents
Description
Dorstenia Foetida is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is commonly known as the stink pipe or the carrion plant due to its unpleasant odor that is often compared to rotting flesh. This plant has a unique appearance and interesting characteristics, making it a must-have for any plant enthusiast.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom | Phylum | Class| Order| Family| Genus||———–|———|——–|———–|———–|———–|————|| Eukaryota | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Rosales | Moraceae | Dorstenia |
Appearance
Dorstenia Foetida is a small herbaceous plant that can grow up to 30cm tall. It has a thick stem that is greenish-brown in color and covered with tiny hairs. The leaves are alternate and ovate in shape, and they grow up to 8cm long. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they bloom in the summer. The plant’s fruit is a tiny achene that is dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Dorstenia Foetida is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Dorstenia Foetida can tolerate temperatures between 60F to 80F and is suitable for hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dorstenia Foetida is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also prone to root rot if overwatered, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Dorstenia Foetida is native to Madagascar and can be found in tropical regions worldwide. It grows best in warm, humid conditions and is often used as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Dorstenia Foetida require direct sunlight?
A: No, Dorstenia Foetida prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dorstenia Foetida plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What hardiness zones are suitable for Dorstenia Foetida?
A: Dorstenia Foetida is suitable for hardiness zones 10-11.
Q: Can I grow Dorstenia Foetida indoors?
A: Yes, Dorstenia Foetida can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dorstenia Foetida:- Dorstenia barnimiana- Dorstenia cayapia- Dorstenia gigas- Dorstenia hildebrandtii
References
– “Dorstenia Foetida,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 13, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276199&isprofile=0&.- “Dorstenia Foetida,” PlantVine, accessed August 13, 2021, https://www.plantvine.com/products/dorstenia-foetida.
