Starfish Cactus - Stapelia Gigantea

Climate

Subtropical

Plant Type

Succulent

Pickup near Cactus and Cave Creek Rd Phoenix 85020 $15/pot. 12 available. A very cool succulent to add to your collection. Will grow outdoors in shade. And regular water. Does not like the cold! Succulent Pale yellow; summer to fall Grows up to 1 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide Likes Well-drained soil mixed with sand Zones 9A-12 Summer - morning sun, noon to evening shade Low water; low maintenance Attracts: Flies Native to South Africa, Stapelia gigantea and a similar plant, S. grandiflora, with slightly smaller reddish flowers, are both often called carrion plants due to the smell resembling rotting meat emitted from the blooms. The scent attracts flies and other pollinators to the plant. Why we like it: The creamy yellow flowers with reddish brown markings have five thick and fleshy petals and can be as large as 15 inches across. The clumping green stems resembling spineless cactus make this plant ideal for rock gardens alongside other succulents with some protection from direct sun.