Starfish cacti (Stapelia grandiflora) are also known as the carrion flower. These stinky, but stunning, plants have similar traits to carnivorous relatives in that they have insect-attracting flora. They can grow up to a few inches (5 cm) in height. Plants that reach 12 inches (30 cm) in height can be found here. wide flowers. This plant species is native South Africa. Therefore, starfish flowers require warm, humid conditions or a specialized greenhouse. Starfish Flower Cactus Although not exactly cactus plants, they are part of the succulent family of plants. These plants have soft stems and no spines. They spread out from a central point. They resemble carrion flesh and have thick skin. The starfish flower cactus can produce five-petaled stars that emit a very unpleasant odor. The smell attracts insects and flies, which pollinate the flowers.
The flowers are usually red-brown in color and can be mottled with several colors. Stapedii is the name of the starfish cactus. The most common collection is the “gigantea”, which is a large specimen with wide flowers measuring approximately one foot in width. Starfish Cactus uses The flowers turn to a horrifying odor in a few days. This smell attracts insects looking for dead organic material. You can move your fruit fly or other pest to the area. The carrion stench attracts the insects and they will sit still, unable to move. Growing Inch Plants – How to Grow Inch Plants Starfish cactus is used as an ornamental specimen. It’s quite a conversation starter. Although the succulents have limited ornamental value, once the flowers are in season, they can be a great conversation piece.
You must deal with the smell. However, you can still move the plant outside if it is too strong. If you live outside the USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11, remember to bring it inside. Starfish Flower Plant Care Starfish flowers can be grown as houseplants in almost all areas of the United States. They can be grown in a greenhouse or moved outside during the summer heat. Starfish flowers can be cared for easily and thrive in all light conditions. They can thrive in either full or partial sunlight. The best time to use them is in the morning light. Starfish flower cactus’ name is misleading. This plant needs constant moisture, unlike its cacti cousins.
Starfish flowers like to be surrounded by roots so they should be kept in a 4-to 6-inch (10 to15 cm) pot. Pot with well-drained soil In the spring, fertilize with half of an indoor plant food solution. Starfish Flowers From Cuttings You can allow the flowers to die back and let seeds form if you are able to handle the scent. To make more interesting plants, collect the seeds and place them in a warm location. It is even easier to propagate by cuttings. Cut off a 3 to 4 inch (7.5 to 10cm) section of stem. Let the stem cut off. Then, place the cut end in lightly moistened peat. The potted cutting should be placed in low light. It is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet, or it could rot. The cutting will eventually become a plant. The baby starfish flower plant can be repotted in regular soil. You can continue to care for it with the recommended starfish plant care. This is a more fragrant way to grow starfish flowers. It also allows you and your friends to share the plant.