Overview

Introducing the extraordinary starfish flower cactus, a truly captivating addition to any plant collection. This live succulent plant, scientifically known as Stapelia gigantea, is often referred to by its common names such as Giant Zulu or Giant Toad. Native to southern and eastern Africa, this species is celebrated for its remarkably large, star-shaped flowers that can reach up to 9.8 inches (25 cm) in diameter. These unique blooms feature five-petalled flowers, typically red and yellow with a wrinkled, silky texture and fringed hairs, blooming in autumn. The stapelia gigantea live plant is a clump-forming succulent, growing up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall with erect green stems. Despite its common name, it is not a true cactus but a succulent within the Apocynaceae family. Its distinctive appearance and relatively easy care make it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts seeking unique succulent plants.

Key Benefits

The starfish flower cactus offers several compelling benefits, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant parents. Its unique characteristics provide an intriguing focal point in any indoor or outdoor setting.

• Striking Floral Display: The primary draw of this plant is its enormous, star-shaped flowers. These brownish-red or maroon blooms, up to 8 inches (20 cm) across, are a spectacular sight and provide a dramatic visual impact that is unlike most other succulents. The deep, velvety red center covered with hairs adds to its exotic allure.
• Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant: As a succulent, the starfish flower cactus is incredibly forgiving and requires minimal watering. It thrives on neglect, making it perfect for busy individuals or those new to plant care. Its drought tolerance ensures it can withstand periods of dryness.
• Unique Conversation Starter: The unusual appearance of its flowers, combined with their distinctive carrion-like scent (which attracts pollinators but is generally not noticeable unless close up), makes this plant an instant conversation starter. It’s a truly memorable plant that stands out.
• Adaptable to Various Settings: While it prefers bright, indirect sunlight, this plant can adapt to a range of conditions, making it suitable for various indoor spaces or shaded outdoor areas in warmer climates. Its clump-forming habit allows it to grow well in pots or as a groundcover.
• Easy to Propagate: For those who enjoy expanding their collection or sharing with friends, the giant zulu plant care includes easy propagation. It can be readily grown from stem cuttings or by dividing mature plants, offering endless opportunities for growers.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your starfish flower cactus is straightforward, ensuring a rewarding experience with this unique succulent. This plant thrives with minimal intervention, making it an ideal choice for various gardeners. For optimal growth, provide bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun can scorch its stems. If grown indoors, a south or west-facing window with filtered light is often ideal. Outdoors, choose a location with dappled shade or morning sun only.

Watering should be done sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, typically every 2-4 weeks, depending on temperature and humidity. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems for succulents, leading to root rot. During its dormant period in winter, reduce watering even further. The stapelia gigantea live plant prefers well-draining soil, ideally a succulent or cactus mix that allows water to pass through quickly. Good drainage is crucial to prevent moisture accumulation around the roots.

This succulent is sensitive to cold temperatures. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) for extended periods. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below this, it is best to grow your carrion flower succulent in a pot that can be brought indoors during colder months. It generally thrives in USDA zones 9-11 outdoors. Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid succulent fertilizer, about once a month. Common problems include mealybugs or scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Size & Details

The starfish flower cactus is a charming clump-forming succulent that typically grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Its erect green stems are approximately 1.2 inches (3 cm) thick, creating a robust and visually appealing structure. The most striking feature, its star-shaped flowers, can reach an impressive diameter of up to 9.8 inches (25 cm). These large blooms are typically red and yellow, with a wrinkled, silky texture and distinct fringed hairs up to 0.3 inches (8 mm) long. This live succulent is commonly shipped in a 2-inch or 4-inch nursery pot, ready for immediate placement or repotting. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, with proper giant zulu plant care, will reward you with its spectacular autumn blooms, triggered by shorter daylight hours. This particular offering includes a live specimen, ready to thrive in your home or garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this starfish flower cactus get? A: The starfish flower cactus typically grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall with stems about 1.2 inches (3 cm) thick. Its impressive flowers can reach up to 9.8 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This stapelia gigantea live plant is commonly shipped in either a 2-inch or 4-inch nursery pot, depending on availability, perfect for transplanting or keeping as is for a while.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The starfish flower cactus can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives outdoors in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11) but must be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: It prefers bright, indirect light. If grown indoors, a spot near a south or west-facing window with filtered light is ideal. Outdoors, it enjoys morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the carrion flower succulent is considered relatively easy to care for. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it suitable for beginners and busy plant enthusiasts.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your starfish flower cactus will arrive as a healthy, live potted plant, carefully packaged to ensure its safety during transit.
• Q: When does the starfish flower cactus bloom? A: The stapelia gigantea live plant typically blooms in the autumn, with its magnificent star-shaped flowers appearing when daylight hours shorten.
• Q: Does the flower really smell bad? A: Yes, the flowers of the starfish flower cactus are known for a strong, unpleasant odor resembling rotting flesh. This smell attracts flies and other insects for pollination but is generally only noticeable when close to the bloom.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for this plant? A: This succulent requires well-draining soil. A specialized cactus or succulent potting mix is highly recommended to prevent root rot.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The starfish flower cactus cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods. If your zone experiences colder winters, it must be protected indoors or grown as a houseplant.