Stapelia variegata (Starfish Flower) – Unique Succulent with Mottled Star Blooms – Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

Stapelia variegata, commonly called the Starfish Flower, is a fascinating succulent known for its unusual star-shaped blooms. The flowers display a striking variegated mottled pattern of yellow and purple-brown, which gives the plant its name. These blooms emit a carrion-like odor to attract flies for pollination — a natural curiosity that makes this plant a true conversation piece. While the flowers are the highlight, the fleshy green stems form an attractive succulent mat throughout the year. Grown from seed in Elfin Forest, California, this plant thrives in warm, dry conditions and is an excellent addition for collectors of unusual succulents.

Just a heads-up: the flowers are known for their unpleasant scent! This is a natural adaptation that attracts pollinators like flies — and part of what makes this such a fascinating collector's plant.

Larger specimens may be available upon request — please contact us if you're interested in a bigger size.

✅ Description Highlights

• Unusual star-shaped flowers with mottled yellow and purple-brown pattern
• Origin: Grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Size: Sold in nursery pots, seed-grown plants
• Growth: Succulent stems form low, spreading mats
• Flowering: Produces carrion-scented blooms pollinated by flies
• Care: Easy to grow in sunny, warm locations
• Cold Hardiness: Protect from frost; best above 40°F (4°C)
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

🛠️ Basic Care

• Light: Full sun or bright indirect light
• Water: Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry out between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
• Grow Habit (Dormancy): May slow growth in winter — normal
• Hardiness: Protect below 40°F (4°C); USDA Zones 9b–11
• Toxicity: Non-toxic 
• Fertilizer:  feed with diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer in spring and summer only

📦 Shipping & Guarantee

We are currently unable to ship live plants to Florida or Hawaii due to regulations.

We offer a flat shipping rate of $10 per order, no matter how many plants / cuttings you purchase. All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which typically arrives in 1–3 business days. If you would like to upgrade to Express, just send us a message before checking out.

Cuttings are packed carefully to ensure they arrive healthy and intact.

Weather Note: Please keep an eye on your local forecast before ordering. If temperatures are below 55°F in your area, we recommend purchasing a heat pack, available as a separate item in our shop. This helps protect your plant during transit in cold conditions.

Please message us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo if there are any issues with your order. We’ll do our best to make it right.

Please Note: Each plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, shape, and color. Growth and performance after delivery depend on your care and environment, so we cannot guarantee plant performance beyond arrival.