How to Grow Starfish Flower
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Starfish Flower
Stapelia grandiflora
flowerStapelia grandiflora is a striking succulent native to South Africa, known for its large, fleshy star-shaped flowers that emit a distinctive carrion smell to attract pollinators. The plant features thick, spineless, quadrangular stems that form clumps, with spectacular maroon and cream-colored blooms reaching up to 12 inches across. Despite the unpleasant odor, it is prized by collectors for its unusual and dramatic appearance.
When should you plant Starfish Flower in your zone?
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Example Starfish Flower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Starfish Flower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Starfish Flower blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Starfish Flower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-12; grow indoors or in containers in cooler regions
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Get my Starfish Flower timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant with few stems, slow growth, minimal foliage
Water sparingly, provide bright indirect light, avoid fertilizing until established. Allow time for root development.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsPlant develops multiple thick, gray-green quadrangular stems forming a larger clump
Increase watering during active growing season (spring/summer). Fertilize monthly with diluted succulent fertilizer. Ensure excellent drainage.
Bud Formation
2-4 weeksSmall buds appear at the base or along the stems, typically in summer to fall
Maintain consistent bright light and proper watering. Do not move the plant or disturb buds. Provide light feeding with phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Flowering
1-2 weeks per flowerLarge star-shaped flowers with maroon and cream coloring emerge, emitting a strong carrion odor that attracts flies
Flowers last 1-2 weeks. Maintain cool temperatures (65-75°F) to extend bloom. Provide maximum light. Do not overwater. Place in well-ventilated area due to odor.
Dormancy/Rest
3-4 monthsPlant enters dormant phase in winter with minimal growth and no blooms
Water very sparingly, barely enough to keep stems from shriveling. Reduce light requirements. No fertilizing. Keep cool (50-60°F if possible).
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil; isolate affected plant; inspect regularly
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Remove manually with tweezers; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; repot in fresh soil if severe; remove rotted portions with sterile tools
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Remove affected stems; allow cuts to dry; improve air circulation; reduce humidity and watering frequency
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Increase humidity slightly (but not excessively); spray with water; use insecticidal soap if severe
Uses
Ornamental Succulent Display
HouseholdA striking focal point for indoor collections, garden beds, or containers in warm climates. The dramatic star-shaped flowers make it a conversation piece for experienced succulent enthusiasts. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe carrion-like odor and dark coloring attract flies and other carrion-feeding insects, making it valuable for understanding insect behavior and pollination ecology. [source]
Botanical Collection
CraftHighly prized by succulent collectors and botanical enthusiasts for its unusual morphology and rarity in cultivation. Popular for specialized plant exhibitions and collection displays. [source]
Traditional African Uses
MedicinalIn traditional South African medicine, Stapelia species have been used to treat various ailments, though scientific evidence is limited. Used cautiously due to toxicity concerns. [source]
Not for Consumption
CulinaryStapelia grandiflora is NOT edible and should never be consumed. The plant contains potentially toxic compounds and is purely ornamental. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Stapelia grandiflora is ornamental and not harvested for food or material. Enjoy the flowers in place; blooms typically last 1-2 weeks. Flowers appear in summer to early fall. For seed collection, allow spent flowers to develop seed pods, then harvest when brown and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The carrion smell produced by Stapelia grandiflora flowers is so convincing that flies attempt to lay eggs on the blooms, providing pollination in the process—a remarkable example of deceptive pollination.
- 🌱 The plant's flowers can reach up to 12 inches across, making them among the largest of any succulent genus, yet the blooms only last 1-2 weeks before withering.
- 🌱 Despite their foul odor to humans, Stapelia flowers are prized by collectors precisely for this feature, with enthusiasts gathering to observe and smell rare blooms, sometimes at specialized plant shows.
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