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.
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Full sun to partial shade
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Very little water
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Not Frost hardy
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Light and free draining
Common name
Starfish flower
Latin name
Stapelia hirsuta
type
Succulent
family
Apocynaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
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).