Scientific Name:

Stapelia hirsuta

Common name:

African Starfish flowers, Carrion Plant, Starfish Flower, Hairy Stapelia

Family:

Apocynaceae

Sub-Family:

Asclepiadoideae

Tribe:

Stapeliae

Genus:

Stapelia

Origin:

South Africa, Namibia

Hardiness Zone:

13b

10b

ABout the PLant

The Stapelia hirsuta is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa. It has an unmistakable star-shaped appearance, with long, slender stems and furry, grey-green leaves. The flowers of the Stapelia hirsuta are quite unique; they are large and showy, often up to 10 cm in diameter, and have five petals that range in color from yellow to deep purple. This plant is not only visually striking but also very easy to care for. It prefers bright light and can tolerate some direct sunlight if kept away from intense heat. Watering should be done sparingly as the plant stores water in its thick leaves; when it does need water, make sure it drains completely so as not to cause root rot. Stapelia hirsuta has been cultivated since the 18th century and is still widely grown today for its ornamental value. Its popularity has increased due to its ease of care and unusual flower shape; many gardeners find it a great addition to their collection of succulents!

The Stapelia hirsuta succulent prefers bright indirect light, meaning it should be placed in an area where it will receive plenty of natural light, but not too much direct sunlight. This succulent can also tolerate medium light and low light conditions, so if you're looking for a plant that won't require as much maintenance, this is a great option.

Stapelia hirsuta succulents thrive in well-draining, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. The ideal soil should be light and airy, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It should also contain organic matter such as compost or manure to help retain moisture and provide essential nutrients for the plant's growth.

The Stapelia hirsuta succulent requires infrequent watering. Water it every 2-3 weeks during the summer months, and then reduce watering to once a month in the winter. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as this succulent is prone to root rot if overwatered.

The ideal humidity conditions for the Stapelia hirsuta succulent are between 40-50%. This is a relatively low humidity level, so it's important to make sure that the air around your plant is not too humid. It's also important to ensure that you don't over water your plant, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. If you keep these conditions in mind, your Stapelia hirsuta should thrive!