The Starfish Plant, scientifically classified under genera like Stapelia and Orbea, is a fascinating stem succulent known by names including Starfish Cactus, Starfish Flower, and Carrion Flower. Unlike traditional leafy plants, it features fleshy, angular stems, typically four-sided, which perform the function of photosynthesis. These stems grow in low, dense clumps, giving the plant a distinctive appearance that makes it a sought-after specimen for succulent collectors.
Establishing the Plant (Soil and Potting)
The most important consideration when potting a Starfish Plant is ensuring rapid and complete drainage. These succulents are highly susceptible to root rot if moisture lingers around the roots. An ideal medium is a commercial cactus or succulent mix amended with materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This amendment should constitute up to 50% of the total volume to create a gritty, fast-draining substrate.
Planting the Starfish Plant into a porous container, such as unglazed ceramic or terra cotta, helps manage moisture. These materials wick away excess water and allow for better air circulation around the roots. For propagation, stem cuttings must be allowed to dry and callous for several days. Once calloused, the cutting can be placed on top of the prepared, dry soil mix, where it will develop roots.
Essential Environmental Needs (Light and Temperature)
Starfish Plants require bright light exposure to maintain compact growth and encourage flowering. Placing the plant in a location that receives at least six hours of light is beneficial for its health. While they thrive in bright conditions, the intense, direct sun of a summer afternoon can cause the succulent stems to scorch or develop an undesirable reddish hue.
A location receiving morning sun or bright, filtered light throughout the day is ideal. Maintaining a warm environment is helpful during the active growing season, with temperatures between 60°F and 85°F being optimal. To prepare the plant for blooming, it benefits from a cool, dry dormancy period during the winter months. Temperatures should be kept between 50°F and 60°F, and the plant must be protected from frost, as freezing temperatures will cause permanent damage.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
The greatest threat to a Starfish Plant is overwatering, making a precise watering schedule necessary. The preferred method is “soak and dry,” where the plant is watered thoroughly until it flows freely from the drainage holes, then allowed to dry out completely before the next application. During the active summer growing season, this may mean watering every two to four weeks, depending on the heat and humidity of the environment.
Watering frequency must be dramatically reduced as temperatures drop and the plant enters its winter dormancy period. From late fall through early spring, the plant requires little to no water at all. Feeding should only occur during the spring and summer, using a liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti or succulents. This fertilizer should be diluted to half or quarter strength and applied sparingly, perhaps once every four to six weeks, to support growth without causing nutrient burn.
Encouraging the Unique Starfish Bloom
Achieving the plant’s remarkable bloom is the reward for correctly managing its environmental needs, particularly the seasonal stress. The cycle of warm, active growth followed by a cool, dry winter rest is often the trigger for flower production. These succulents tend to bloom best when they are slightly pot-bound, so avoiding frequent repotting may also encourage flowering.
The flower itself is a large, star-shaped spectacle, often reaching several inches in diameter and emerging from the base of the stems. Its appearance is highly textured, featuring fine hairs, mottled colors of red, purple, or brown, and a furrowed surface that mimics decaying matter. This visual mimicry is paired with a strong, carrion-like odor. The scent is produced to attract specific pollinators, primarily flies, necessary for the plant’s reproductive success.