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Pachyfolia Plants

Stapelia Gigantea Rooted in 3.5" Pot - GIANT BLOOMS! Starfish "Cactus"

Stapelia Gigantea Rooted in 3.5" Pot - GIANT BLOOMS! Starfish "Cactus"

Regular price $18.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.99 USD
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Name: Starfish Cactus

Scientific Name: Stapelia Gigantea

Family: Apocynaceae

 

Product Description:

Love stinks, or at least it does when stapelia gigantea blooms. Bearing gorgeous eye catching red-yellow striped flowers with white fringe, you’ll get lost in the abstract patterns of the flower. When you lean in to smell however, you’ll also be surprised to find a scent of rotting meat! This is how stapelia attracts its native pollinators, flies! While not strong to you or I, flies go crazy for it. But if kept indoors they’ll never be given the chance to. It readily forms clumps and blooms spring through fall but it really gets rocking in summer where each new growth will bear one of its large flowers that are sure to impress. Stapelias like part shade so a bright light or covered lanai is perfect, they are also very drought tolerant and will let you know when they are thirsty by the softness of their stems and a slight droop. Once hardened off however they can be grown in full sun and are even considered invasive in parts of Africa.

 

Origination: South Eastern Africa

Historic Uses: Ornamental

Height: 8-12"

Flower Color: Red/Yellow Pattern

Other Names: Zulu Giant, Carrion plant, Starfish Plant, Toad Plant, Toad Cactus

 

Growing Instructions:

Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It can also grow in light shade. Use a gritty, well-drained soil. A commercial cactus or succulent mix works well. Mildly alkaline soil with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in the dormant season (fall and winter). It is very heat-resistant and can tolerate quite cold temperatures and light frost. Ideal temperatures are between 50°F (10°C) and 80°F (27°C). Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

 

Ships in 3.5" pots. You will receive a plant similar to the ones pictured, though size and fullness may vary. Please understand that shipped plants have bumpy rides. A few broken leaves or small stems are normal during shipping and are not considered damage. Broken stems can be rooted once the cut end dries to start new growth. Plants may arrive semi‑dormant, and in winter they may naturally drop a few leaves. If your plant arrives rotting or dead, we will replace it. Please contact us with photo proof within 24 hours of delivery. After 24 hours, plant care becomes the buyer’s responsibility, though we’re always happy to answer questions and help you succeed. We also add brief instructions on getting started when you open your box. We want our plant babies to have happy new homes! 🥰

 

Heat packs are available to purchase in our shop for cold-sensitive plants. Keep in mind some plants we carry are very tropical and even cold, not freezing, temperatures can kill them. 📌IF YOU EXPECT COLD WEATHER, PLEASE PURCHASE A HEAT PACK! 📌 These are necessary for winter shipping, so I sell them at cost. I won't refund or replace any frozen plants unless you buy one!


❗Please Read!

Items cannot be shipped to CALIFORNIA or ARIZONA easily due to state import laws. All plants shipped there must be inspected before entry. Seed-grown herbaceous plants may not survive transit. I cannot guarantee herbaceous plant orders from these states, so order at your own risk. Hoyas, cacti, and succulents are an exception. My apologies for any inconvenience.

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