Stapelia scitula, also commonly known as ‘Small starfish flower’, is a succulent plant with curvy, 4-angled, light green stems that reach a height up to 6 inches. Because this winter-dormant plant is native to the Western Cape and belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, blooming star-shaped flowers usually necessitates warm, humid conditions or a specialized greenhouse environment.
Growth Rate
The Stapelia scitula plant has a fast growth rate.
Flowering
This plant produces stunning five-petaled flowers during the blooming season in late fall or early winter. The unpleasant fragrance attracts flies and other insects, which pollinate the flowers. Flowers are maroon/burgundy in color and maybe mottled with a couple of other colors.
Watering and Feeding
During the growing season, Stapelia scitula requires watering with fertilizer. Complete water withdrawal is recommended during the winter months.
Soil
As cactus roots are shallow of this succulent, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite, pumice to regular potting soil. A gritty, well-draining compost is appropriate, and clay pots allow the plants to dry out between waterings.
Hardiness
Small starfish flower has a frost tolerance of 10° C (50° F) and belongs to the hardiness zone of 10a to 11b.
Light
This variety of Stapelia prefers partial sun or light shade sun exposure and lives under shrubs in its habitat.
Propagation
From early to mid-summer, you can propagate Stapelia scitula by taking cuttings. Cut off healthy stems with a sharp knife.
The Small starfish flower is the most beautiful plant to own at your house. This plant is best as home decor or to plant in your garden. You can buy this plant before thinking twice.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
| Blooming Season | Late winter/early spring |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Small starfish flower |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Flower | Maroon/burgundy |
| Frost Tolerance | 10°c |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 10a to 11b |
| Height | Under 6 in |
| Origin | Western cape |
| Pot Size | 3.5" |
| Scientific Name | Stapelia scitula |
| Shape | Star-shaped |
| Sun Exposure | Partial sun or light shade |
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United StatesSmaller than expected, but in great condition
Smaller than expected, but in great condition
United StatesMy plant
I just want to tell you that my plant stapelia scitula that I received from planet desert is doing great and that goes for all my plants that I buy from them are all my shopping needs is excellent.
United StatesSurprising!
I have a plant society colleague that wanted one of these. It had been on his list awhile. I sent it over and he was pleasantly surprised while quite pleased with this plant. He said it was very well packaged and looked forward to watching it grow. He loves shopping Planet Desert so I opted to order it from here as a gift. I’m happy he was pleased!
United StatesStrong healthy plant
The plant arrived in great shape. I've had it for several months and it is doing very well!
United StatesUnusual
This plant is very cute. The blossoms are very pretty. I love it! Great service as always.