Stapelia variegata – Plant

Description

The group of succulents known as Stapelias originate in southern and southwest Africa. They belong to the milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae.

The star-shaped flowers are most unusual and attractive, and in some varieties are sweetly scented. However, the flowers of Stapelia variegata have an unpleasant, although not overpowering, odour. The odour is similar to that of rotting meat, and attracts the blowflies which pollinate the flowers.

Common name: Starfish Plant, Starfish Cactus.
Color: Maroon (Purple-Brown), Brown/Bronze
Bloom time: Mid Summer
Height: 10 cm.
Difficulty level: Easy to grow.

Planting & Care

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: soil pH 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline), 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)

Water: Water sparingly at all times, especially in cold weather, as too much moisture causes rot.

Temprature: minimum 27 degrees F.

Fertilizer: Feed once or twice during the summer with a dilute solution of a standard liquid fertilizer.

Care:

• Repot your plant in spring if it has outgrown its pot.
• Water moderately, allowing the compost to dry out a little in between.

Use
Ornamental use:

• Stapelias are very decorative plants.
• Each thick, succulent stem has four ribs with toothed edges.
• The stems branch out at the base and form dense clumps; the spreading habit of these plants make them suitable for growing in wide, shallow containers.