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Starfish flower in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Stapelia hirsuta

 

Starfish flower

Stapelias, which are native to South Africa, have succulent stems with four ribs that have toothed edges, and which branch to form clumps. The flowers are large and star-shaped. The flowers of Stapelia hirsuta are dark red and hairy, and have the characteristic smell of rotting flesh.

 
plant Features
  • Starfish flower likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Starfish flower likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Starfish flower is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Starfish flower likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Starfish flower

Latin name

Stapelia hirsuta

type

Succulent

family

Apocynaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Starfish flower likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Starfish flower is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Soil

    Starfish flower likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

  • Water

    Starfish flower likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Starfish flower is 0.90meters x 0.30meters 0.90 M 0.30 M

Stapelia hirsuta

Stapelias, which are native to South Africa, have succulent stems with four ribs that have toothed edges, and which branch to form clumps. The flowers are large and star-shaped. The flowers of Stapelia hirsuta are dark red and hairy, and have the characteristic smell of rotting flesh.


Propagation by cuttings

From Early Summer TO Mid Summer

You can take cuttings from early to mid-summer. Using a sharp knife, cut off healthy stems. Place on a sheet of paper and allow to dry for about 4 days before planting cuttings in individual pots of commercial cactus compost.

 

Planting

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Mostly, stapelia are grown as houseplants. If purchased as a pot plant, re-pot in spring as necessary, using a shallow pot. A commercial cactus mixture plus a little added leaf mould is ideal. Put a layer of broken crocks in the bottom to improve drainage. It needs as much light as possible, but protect from direct sun during summer. It will tolerate normal temperatures in summer and can be put outdoors until early autumn. In winter keep at a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F).

 
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