Duvalia caespitosa ssp. vestita

🌵 Duvalia caespitosa subsp. vestita Care

Duvalia caespitosa subsp. vestita, also known by its former name Duvalia vestita, is a dwarf, clump-forming succulent belonging to the Apocynaceae family and the stapeliad group. It is native to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it grows in dry habitats.

It develops low-growing, fleshy, four- to five-angled stems with small, tooth-like projections. Like other Duvalias, it is valued by collectors for its unusual, dark-coloured, star-shaped flowers.

🌱 Growing & Care

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright light with some direct sunlight.

• Gentle morning sun is ideal.

• Protect from extremely harsh afternoon sunlight during hot weather.

• Good light encourages compact growth and flowering.

💧 Watering

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

• Avoid keeping the roots constantly moist.

• Reduce watering during cooler months.

• Take extra care during cold or humid weather, when excess moisture can cause stem rot.

🪴 Soil

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

• Use a cactus and succulent mix amended with pumice, perlite or coarse grit.

• A shallow pot with drainage holes works well for its spreading growth habit.

🌡️ Temperature

• Prefers warm growing conditions.

• Protect from frost and prolonged cold.

• Good air circulation is particularly important in humid conditions.

🌸 Flowering

• Produces unusual, fleshy, star-shaped flowers.

• Flowers are generally dark brown to purplish-brown.

• The petals have a characteristic hairy appearance.

• Flowering is encouraged by good light and appropriate seasonal growing conditions.

🌿 Feeding

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

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage soft, weak growth.

🌱 Propagation

• Can be propagated from stem cuttings.

• Allow cut surfaces to dry and callus before placing them on a gritty growing medium.

• Keep warm and avoid excessive moisture while roots develop.

🌵 Boho Blooms Growing Tip

Duvalia caespitosa subsp. vestita is an interesting addition to a specialist stapeliad collection. Its low-growing, clumping habit makes it suitable for shallow succulent containers. Provide bright light, excellent drainage and careful watering, particularly during cooler months.

Interesting botanical note: Kew’s Plants of the World Online currently accepts Duvalia vestita as the botanical name, while SANBI lists it as Duvalia caespitosa subsp. vestita. Both names refer to this taxon.

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!