Duvalia corderoyi (Brakpoort)

🌵 Duvalia corderoyi (Brakpoort) Care

Duvalia corderoyi, also known as Stapelia corderoyi, is a distinctive, clump-forming South African stapeliad. The Brakpoort locality name refers to the plant’s collection or source location rather than a separate botanical variety.

It forms a low-growing mat of short, thick, rounded to slightly elongated stems, usually dark green and sometimes reddish. Its most remarkable feature is its large, unusual flowers, which can reach approximately 3–5 cm across. The flowers are brick-red to deep purple-brown, with a prominent central area covered in long, fine hairs.

🌱 Growing & Care

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright light with some direct sunlight.

• Gentle morning sun and filtered afternoon light work well.

• Can tolerate stronger sunlight when gradually acclimatised.

• Some sunlight helps maintain compact growth and encourages flowering.

💧 Watering

• Water during active growth, allowing the growing medium to dry between waterings.

• Water thoroughly but avoid leaving the plant sitting in moisture.

• Reduce watering during cooler months.

• Be particularly careful during cold, damp weather, as excess moisture can cause stem rot.

🪴 Soil

• Requires a very well-draining, gritty growing medium.

• Use a succulent mix with added pumice, perlite or coarse grit.

• A shallow, wide container is ideal for its spreading growth habit.

• Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.

🌡️ Temperature

• Prefers warm growing conditions.

• Protect from frost and prolonged cold.

• Good air circulation is important, especially in humid conditions.

🌸 Flowering

• Produces relatively large, star-shaped flowers compared with many other Duvalia species.

• Flowers are typically brick-red, reddish-brown or deep purple.

• The centre is covered in long, fine, hair-like structures.

• Flowers may produce a strong carrion-like scent to attract their natural pollinators.

• Flowering is generally recorded from February to May in its natural habitat.

🌿 Feeding

• Feed lightly with a diluted succulent fertiliser during active growth.

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can encourage excessive soft growth.

🌱 Propagation

• Easily propagated from stem cuttings.

• Allow cut surfaces to dry and callus before planting.

• Place cuttings on a dry, gritty growing medium.

• Keep warm and avoid excessive watering until roots develop.

🌵 Boho Blooms Growing Tip

Duvalia corderoyi naturally grows beneath small shrubs in flat, stony areas of the Great Karoo. Recreate these conditions by providing bright light, excellent drainage and a little protection from the harshest afternoon sun. A shallow container gives its stems room to spread and form an attractive clump.

Interesting botanical fact: Its flowers are among the more distinctive in the Duvalia genus. The long purple hairs and unusual central structure help attract carrion-feeding insects that pollinate the flowers.

Plants on offer: ±3 stems 3-5cm rooted. Shipped without pot or soil. May or may not currently have flowers/buds.

Have a look at our care sheet to find out how you can care for your stapeliads!