Stapelia stapeliiformis - Candle Plant

The many common names of this Candle Plant just go to show how many things it's been compared to. Whether you think it's more candle, pickle, pencil or worm, you can certainly agree that there's something fascinating about its long stems and their totally upright growth. To top it all off, it has stripes of silver-green contrasting with darker forest green, and soft spines growing from it. It isn't prickly like a cactus, but isn't quite soft and cuddly... choose this enigmatic, low maintenance plant to add some interest to a sunny window in your home and enjoy its upright, striped foliage as it grows to fit your space.

Scientific Name
Stapelia stapeliiformis (van Stapel's van Stapel-shaped plant)

This plant has been reclassified as Kleinia stapeliiformis, and also has the synonym Senecio stapeliiformis.

Common Name
Candle Plant, Candle Stick, Candlestick Plant, Inch Worm, Pencil Cactus, Pickle Cactus, Pickle Plant, Candystick Plant

Origin
This plant's native habitat ranges through the Cape and Northern Provinces of South Africa

Light
Your Candle Plant will benefit from a few hours of direct sun per day; a windowsill facing east or west will work well for this, avoiding the harshest sn; it may need to move to a more south-facing window over winter when there is less light to go around.

Water
Let the soil totally dry out between waters; reduce in winter as the soil will take longer to dry. This succulent will feel more squidgy and less firm when it gets thirsty.

Humidity
Used to an arid climate, this plant has no need of humidity, and won't like a damp environment.

Soil
The most important thing for this plant's soil is to drain well. Use a mix with added sand and grit, or one designed for cacti and succulents, for best results. Repot every few years as the plant grows; you can tell it's time to move up a size when the stems of the plant are crowding the pot and the roots are growing out of the drainage holes.

Food
Feed every couple of months in the growing season, reduce over winter to every three months.

Temperature
Ths plant's happy in your home with temperatures of 18-30°C in summer; it would like cooler winter temperatures but make sure it doesn't drop below 10°C.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
One of the most common issues with this plant, like any succulents, is overwatering. It is especially important not to overdo it in winter when the plant will take longer to dry out. Make sure you're letting the soil dry between waters, and if you're not sure, this plant will prefer sitting dry a few extra days to its roots always being wet.