Stapelia grandiflora (Starfish Plant) - Rare Succulent - Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

Stapelia grandiflora is a striking, succulent species grown for its thick, cactus-like stems and truly spectacular flowers. Don’t be fooled — while it resembles a cactus, it’s actually a soft-stemmed succulent, part of the milkweed family.

These are cutting-grown right here in Elfin Forest, California, and have fully developed roots. Given full sun, they thrive with very little care and are among the easiest plants to grow in arid climates. What makes Stapelia grandifloratruly unforgettable is its large, star-shaped flower, which can reach up to 12 inches across. The blooms are deep red to burgundy, covered in fine hairs, and resemble something from another world.

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

Each plant is grown in Elfin Forest, California, and sold by pot size and approximate height. Please refer to the photos for visual examples of each available size.

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

✅ Description Highlights

• Rare, eye-catching succulent with large, star-shaped flowers
• Locally grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Grown from cuttings, not seed — rooted and ready to thrive
• Flowers are large, stunning, but emit a strong odor to attract pollinators
• Ideal for dry gardens, collectors, and container displays
• Not a cactus, though it resembles one — soft spines, no sting
• Drought tolerant and thrives in full sun
• Hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11
• ⚠️ Not intended for ingestion

🛠️ 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 32°F (0°C); USDA Zones 9b–11
• Fertilizer:  feed with diluted cactus or 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.