Orbea variegata, previously known as Stapelia variegata, is a cactus species native to southern Africa. It is a low-growing, succulent plant that forms clumps of sprawling stems up to 3′ feet in diameter.
The stems are covered with sharp spines and distinctive, star-shaped flowers that range in color from yellow to red.
The most common names of Orbea variegata are:
- Starfish flower
- Carrion cactus
- Toad cactus
- Toad spotted cactus
The plant is called starfish flower because the flowers have a star-like shape.
Some of its most identifying characteristics include:
- The flowers have a distinct starfish shape.
- The plant is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves and stems.
- The plant is native to South Africa.
- It blooms in the late summer or early fall.
Orbea variegata is a popular choice for growing indoors as a houseplant or in outdoor gardens in warm climates.
It is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate some neglect. However, it does best with regular watering and plenty of sunlight.
Some reasons you might be interested in adding this plant to your garden include:
- The flowers are beautiful and unique.
- It is easy to care for.
- It is a low-growing plant, so it does not take up much space.
Keep reading to learn more about how to care for stapelia variegata.
Quick Facts On Orbea Variegata
- Family: Asclepiadaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water: Allow to dry out between waterings
- Fertilizer: None
- Propagation: Seeds, cuttings
- Common Problems: Overwatering, underwatering, red spider mites, mealybugs
Orbea Variegata Care
The Orbea variegata, also called the starfish flower, is a cactus known for its strange, fleshy flowers resembling a starfish.
The Orbea variegata is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Let’s dive in and look at how to care for this interesting plant.
What Does The Starfish Flower Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Orbea variegata is a small to medium-sized cactus. It typically grows about 12″ inches tall and wide, although it can occasionally grow larger.
The leaves are green and covered in short, sharp spines.
When grown indoors, the stapelia variegata can grow up to 18″ inches tall.
When Does The Starfish Flower Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The flowers of the Orbea variegata are its most distinctive feature. They are large, fleshy, and star-shaped. These flowers bloom in the summer.
The flowers are usually deep red or purple, but they can also be yellow, orange, or white.
The flowers have a rank smell that is similar to rotting flesh. This odor attracts flies, which help to pollinate the plant.
The starfish flower will flower from mid-summer to early fall when grown indoors.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Orbea variegata grows best in bright light but can also tolerate direct sun. If the plant is grown outdoors, it should be placed in an area that gets partial sun to full sun.
When grown indoors, the plant should be placed near a sunny window.
The starfish flower is a heat-tolerant plant. It can withstand temperatures as high as 100° degrees Fahrenheit. However, it should be protected from frost.
When grown indoors, the ideal temperature range is 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
How and When To Water and Fertilize The Starfish Flower?
Orbea variegata is a succulent, so it does not need a lot of water. The plant should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
When watering, soak the soil and then allow it to drain. Do not leave the plant sitting in water.
The starfish flower should never be fertilized because too much fertilizer will damage the plant. However, when grown indoors, the stapelia variegata should be watered about once a month.
What Is The Best Soil For Orbea Variegata, And When Should You Transplant?
Orbea variegata does best in sandy, well-draining soil. The plant should be transplanted every 2 to 3 years.
When grown indoors, the starfish flower can be transplanted into a cactus mix or a potting mix that is made up of one part sand and two parts peat moss.
You should always pot this plant in the spring and not repot it unless you transplant it to a bigger pot.
Does Orbea Variegata Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
No, Orbea variegata does not need special grooming or maintenance. You can remove dead leaves and spent flowers as needed.
How To Over-winter Orbea Variegata?
If you live in an area where the temperatures drop below 50° degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, you will need to take some steps to over-winter your Orbea variegata.
The plant should be moved indoors and placed in a sunny spot. The starfish flower must be watered less often than usual during winter. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings completely.
You can also place the plant in a cool, dark room for the winter. The plant should be watered only enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
If you live in an area where the temperatures do not drop below 50° degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, you can leave your plant outdoors.
However, you should protect it from frost by covering it with a light cloth or placing it in a sheltered spot.
How To Propagate Starfish Cactus?
If you want to propagate Orbea variegata, the best way is through stem cuttings.
Here is a step-by-step process:
- Fill a pot with a well-draining cactus mix or sandy soil and water it thoroughly.
- Allow the excess water to drain out before placing the cutting in the pot.
- Place the cutting in the pot and cover it with a plastic bag. This will help to keep the humidity high, which is necessary for successful rooting.
- Place the pot in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
The cutting should root within 2 to 4 weeks. Once it has rooted, you can remove the plastic bag and water it like a mature plant.
Then, transplant the rooted cutting into a larger pot filled with well-draining soil once it has started to grow.
If you want to propagate from seeds, you can do so, but it is a bit more difficult.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill a pot with a well-draining cactus mix or sandy soil and water it thoroughly.
- Allow the excess water to drain out before sowing the seeds.
- Place the seeds on the soil’s surface and cover them with a thin layer of sand.
- Place the pot in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
The seeds will take two to four weeks to germinate.
Once they have germinated, you can remove the plastic bag and water them like a mature plant.
Transplant the seedlings into larger pots filled with well-draining soil once they have started to grow.
Orbea Variegata Pests And Diseases
Orbea variegata is generally a healthy plant that does not succumb to many pests or disease problems.
Red spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can all be problems for the stapelia variegata. These pests can cause the leaves to be yellow and drop off.
If you see any of these pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
Orbea variegata is also susceptible to rot. This can happen if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.
If you see any signs of rot, such as brown or yellow leaves, you should reduce watering and make sure the starfish cactus is in a well-draining pot.
You can also treat the plant with a fungicide to help prevent the rot’s spread.
However, unlike most other succulents, the starfish flower is also sensitive to being underwatered.
If the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will start to wrinkle, and the tips of the leaves will turn brown.
If you see these signs, you should increase watering and ensure the plant is in a well-draining pot.
You can also treat the starfish cactus with a moisture retention gel to help it retain water.
Suggested Uses For Starfish Flower
Orbea variegata is a beautiful and unique plant that makes a great addition to any succulent collection.
It can also be used as an accent plant in a mixed succulent garden.
The plant can reach up to 12″ inches in height and spread up to 24 inches wide, so it is ideal for use in larger pots or the landscape.
Some examples of ways to decorate with the starfish flower include:
- Placing it in a bright spot in your home or office
- Adding it to a succulent terrarium
- Planting it in a mixed succulent garden
- Creating a living wreath with it
The stapelia variegata is also a good plant for beginners because it is relatively easy to care for.
Just ensure that you do not overwater the plant and that it has well-draining soil.