Image: AI generated
Starfish Flower Plant Care
Stapelia variegata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Orbea variegata, also known as the star flower, carrion flower, starfish cactus and toad cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae that is native to the coastal belt of the Western Cape, South Africa, growing actively during the winter rainfall season. It is an invasive species in southern Australia.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Starfish Flower?
Water Starfish Flower every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Starfish Flower Native To?
What Is the Starfish Flower?
Starfish Flower (Stapelia variegata) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Stapelia genus. Starfish Flower is native to the coastal belt of the Western Cape, South Africa, growing actively during the winter rainfall season. Starfish Flower is also known as Alligator Plant, Zulu Giant.
Starfish Flower displays a low clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Starfish Flower produces large star-shaped flowers with unique patterns and strong odor.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Starfish Flower?
Stapelia variegata requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Starfish Flower Need?
Starfish Flower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Starfish Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Starfish Flower Prefer?
Stapelia variegata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Starfish Flower prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Starfish Flower?
Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Starfish Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Starfish Flower?
Feed Starfish Flower every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Starfish Flower?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Starfish Flower?
Starfish Flower can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds.
Is the Starfish Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Starfish Flower?
Starfish Flower is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Starfish Flower Need?
Starfish Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Starfish Flower is native to the coastal belt of the Western Cape, South Africa, growing actively during the winter rainfall season. In cooler regions, grow Starfish Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Starfish Flower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Stapelia genus — compare its care with other Stapelia species on PlantoScan.
Stapelia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Starfish Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stapelia variegata L., family Apocynaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 217 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Starfish Flower as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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