Starfish Flower Stapelia hirsuta

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.