Scientific Name
Orbea variegata (L.) Haw.
Common Name(s)
Carrion Cactus, Carrion Flower, Starfish Cactus, Star Flower, Starfish Plant, Toad Cactus, Toad Plant
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia mixta, Stapelia variegata, Stisseria variegata
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Origin
Orbea variegata is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Description
Orbea variegata, formerly known as Stapelia variegata, is a popular succulent with toothed, four-angled stems usually densely packed into a mat that may reach a diameter of 3.3 feet (1 m). The stems are green and mottled with purple-brown. They are decumbent and can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, excluding teeth.
The flowers are highly variable in color but usually speckled with purple-brown on a pale yellow background. They are star-shaped, appear in late summer or fall, and have a faint carrion smell to attract potential insect pollinators. The flowers can reach up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The seed pods can grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and look like two horns.
Orbea variegata is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the UK's Royal Horticultural Society.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and feed the plants during the active growing seasons. Keep almost dry in the winter, but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling. As this plant comes from a winter rainfall area, it should be given a rest period with reduced watering during the summer months.
Soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Therefore, it prefers a well-drained, sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil, and topsoil.
Try to emulate its natural habitat, placing it to protect it from the sun during the hottest part of the day. This plant prefers the early morning or late afternoon sun. It requires protection when grown as an ornamental plant in temperate zones, as it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.
The key to success is keeping Starfish Plants and their roots free of pests like mealybugs. Fungal attacks often occur due to insect damage to stems.
Propagate by seed sown in early spring or cuttings of stem sections after the flowering.
Links
- Back to genus Orbea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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