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Cactus SucculentConservatory GreenhouseHouseplantsSynonym

Stapelia variegata

star flower

A cactus-like perennial with erect angled stems to 10cm in height, bearing up to 5 star-shaped whitish flowers 5-8cm across, heavily spotted with deep reddish-purple

Other common names
aasblom
starfish cactus
see moretoad cactus
carrion flower
variegated stapelia
Synonyms
Caralluma variegata hort.
Stapelia atropurpurea
see moreStapelia marmoratum
Stapelia variegata

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Purple White
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Orbea are leafless, clump-forming succulent perennials, the fleshy stems with large teeth on the angles, and showy, funnel-shaped, unpleasantly scented flowers in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by cuttings of stem sections after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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