Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Cactus SucculentConservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Orbea variegata

star flower

A cactus-like perennial with erect angled stems to 10cm in height, bearing up to 5 star-shaped whitish flowers 5-8cm across, heavily spotted with deep reddish-purple

Other common names
aasblom
starfish cactus
see moretoad cactus
carrion flower
variegated stapelia
Synonyms
Caralluma variegata hort.
Stapelia atropurpurea
see moreStapelia marmoratum
Stapelia variegata
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Purple White
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Orbea are leafless, clump-forming succulent perennials, the fleshy stems with large teeth on the angles, and showy, funnel-shaped, unpleasantly scented flowers in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by cuttings of stem sections after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.