Hairy Toad Plant Stapelia hirsuta
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sta-PEL-ee-uh her-SOO-tuh
- Description
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Discovered by Johannes van Stapel, this plant gained its Latin name from his discovery. Hirsuta translates to hairy, which is used to describe the flowers.
Starfish Flower is a succulent plant with fleshy square stems and large, hairy, star-shaped, maroon flowers. There are several varieties within the species. Some are easy to grow and others are more of a challenge. Varieties that have slightly hairy stems and the more showy or unusual flowers may not be as easy to grow as varieties that do not have these traits. Those varieties require careful watering during the growing season and no water applied during the winter months. Winter temperatures should be kept above 50 degrees and the soil should be kept dry. Placing the delicate plants on a heated grow bench will help them make it through the colder winter months.
For a successful plant, use a gritty succulent soil mix as well as placing the plant in a clay pot with drainage holes. Clay pots are porous, which allows air and water to flow through the pot, which in turn will help prevent root rot and other diseases. Place a layer of grit on the surface of the soil to prevent moisture from accumulating around the stems base.
Propagation can be done with both seeds and by cuttings. When working by either method, leave the seed or cutting laying on the ground, don't cover with soil. When placed in the soil, there is a good chance of root rot occurring. Once rooting has begun, the plant can be placed in a sandy soil mixture and allowing for good drainage.
Flies pollinate the flowers. They are attracted to the foul smell of the flowers, the smell much like that of rotting meat. As the flower begins to fade, the hairs, color and surface take on the look of a decaying animal. This pollination results in twin seed horns that are very attractive.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs are the major insect issue for this plant. Woolly aphids are also an issue. An infestation of insects can cause damage to the stems, which in turn can cause fungal issues.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Stapelia
- Species:
- hirsuta
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Rock gardens, container, houseplant.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Africa
- Wildlife Value:
- Flies pollinate the flowers which are also attractive to other pollinators. Small reptiles and birds feast on the flies.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Textural
- Wildlife Food Source
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Houseplant
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Dense
- Erect
- Mounding
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Follicle
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a small follicle that can sometimes contain several seeds. The seeds have a thin outer margin and many hairs. They are spread by the wind.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Large 6", flat, maroon to purple, star-shaped flowers with a foul odor, similar to rotting meat. This odor attracts flies, which in turn lay their eggs on the flower. The flowers are quite hairy. Pollinated by flies.
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Leaves:
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- The subquadrangular stems grow up to 8" tall and thick. During the winter months and when grown in full sun, the stems will turn a reddish color. Vertical concave grooves along the stem.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Problems:
- Malodorous