Stapelia grandiflora (Starfish Flower)

Stapelia grandiflora, commonly known as the Carrion Flower or Starfish Flower, is a remarkable succulent known for its distinctive and unusually large star-shaped flowers. It is a fascinating plant that attracts not only curious glances but also various pollinators with its unique characteristics.

Stapelia grandiflora – Starfish Flower: An In-depth Look

Stapelia grandiflora features fleshy, spineless green stems that resemble cacti but are more closely related to milkweeds. The stems are angular, typically four-sided, and can grow upright or spread along the ground.

Native: This plant is native to South Africa, where it thrives in arid regions, making it well-adapted to hot, dry climates. It belongs to the frangipani and hoya family Apocynaceae.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a perennial succulent that grows as a low shrub with clumping stems. It often forms dense mats that can spread out over the ground or container in which it grows.

Size: The stems of the Starfish Flower typically grow up to 3-12 inches (7-30 cm) tall and can spread out to 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) depending on the growth conditions and age of the plant.

Flowers: The most striking feature is its large, star-shaped flowers, which can be up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. These flowers are produced from the base on younger shoots. They can be orange, deep red, purple or chocolate, often covered with long fine hairs at their center. They emit a strong odor resembling that of rotting meat, which serves to attract its primary pollinators, flies. The blooming period occurs in late summer to early fall. Each flower lasts just a few days, but the plant may produce multiple blooms over several weeks. After pollination, the plant produces twin seed pods typical of the Apocynaceae family, similar to those of common milkweed but smaller.

Foliage: Stapelia grandiflora lacks traditional leaves. Instead, it features thick, fleshy, green stems that are four-angled and serve the photosynthetic function. These succulent stems can grow upright or sprawl, adding a unique, cactus-like appearance to the plant’s structure.

Hardiness: Stapelia grandiflora is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. It needs protection from frost, as it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.

Uses: It is primarily used as an ornamental plant, ideal for rock gardens, desert gardens, or as a potted houseplant. Its unusual flowers make it a conversation piece.

Toxicity: Stapelia grandiflora is not known to be toxic to humans or pets (cats, dogs).

Drought: This plant is highly drought-tolerant, storing water in its succulent stems and requiring very little moisture to survive.

Invasiveness: Stapelia grandiflora is not considered invasive. It is a slow spreader and typically confined to the area where it is planted or potted.

Benefits: Aside from its ornamental value, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardening.

Starfish Flower: How to Grow and Care

Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn.
Indoor Placement: Place near a sunny window where it can receive plenty of light

Soil: Requires a well-draining soil mix, ideally formulated for cacti and succulents. Incorporate sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Water: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in cooler months. Reduce watering frequency during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Keep temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Protect from frost by bringing indoors or providing cover if grown outside in cooler climates.

Humidity: Stapelia grandiflora is quite tolerant of varying humidity levels. As a succulent native to arid environments, it does not require high humidity to thrive.

Fertilizer: Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in winter.

Pruning: Remove any dead or dying stems to maintain the plant’s health and appearance. Pruning is generally not necessary unless for shaping or removing unhealthy parts.

Repotting: Stapelia grandiflora should be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current pot. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer, just before the growth season begins.

Propagation: Easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or early summer, allow them to dry for a day or two to form a callus, and then plant in well-draining soil.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for common succulent pests like aphids or mealybugs. Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring adequate air circulation and not overwatering.

Starfish Flower: Common Problems

Stapelia grandiflora, while relatively easy to care for, can encounter several common issues, particularly related to its growing conditions. Here are some of the typical problems and how to address them:

Overwatering

• Symptoms: Soft, mushy stems; yellowing; stem rot.
• Solution: Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and a pot with adequate drainage holes. Water only when the soil has completely dried out from the previous watering. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.

Underwatering

• Symptoms: Shriveled or wrinkled stems.
• Solution: While Stapelia is drought-tolerant, it does benefit from regular watering during the growing season. Increase watering slightly, especially in hot, dry weather, but always allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Sunburn

• Symptoms: White or brown scorched patches on the stems.
• Solution: If exposed to too much direct sunlight, Stapelia’s stems can get sunburned, especially in intense midday heat. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day or gradually acclimate the plant to full sun exposure.

Flowering Issues

• Symptoms: Lack of flowering.
• Solution: Stapelia grandiflora flowers best when it is slightly stressed. Ensure it is getting enough light (but not too much direct sun) and that it is slightly pot-bound. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush growth at the expense of flowers.