Starfish Cactus Orbea variegata
ABOUT
The Orbea variegata, commonly known as the Starfish Plant or Starfish Cactus, has a distinctive appearance that catches the eye. It lacks the typical green foliage of most plants, and instead, bears fleshy, angular stems. These stems are greyish-green with mottled patterns of maroon or chocolate-brown, creating a variegated appearance that somewhat resembles the skin of a reptile. In stark contrast to its stems, the Starfish Plant produces striking flowers. They are large and star-shaped, hence its common name, with an elaborate design. The colors of the blooms can vary, often featuring a mix of yellows, reds, and browns, arranged in banded patterns. The texture of the petals is slightly wrinkled, adding to the plant's unique character. One of the most unusual aspects of the Starfish Plant's appearance is its flowers’ central structure, which can be quite elaborate and alien-looking. Despite its beauty, the plant's flowers emit a strong smell reminiscent of rotting flesh. This odor is an adaptation to attract pollinators like flies that are drawn to such scents. Overall, the Starfish Plant possesses a captivating yet bizarre aesthetic that makes it popular among succulent enthusiasts and those looking for unusual plants to add to their collections. Its intriguing patterns and shapes bring a touch of the exotic to any setting where conventional leaves and petals are the norms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae.
Synonyms
Starfish Plant, Starfish Cactus, Carrion Plant, Toad Plant.
Common names
Stapelia variegata, Orbeopsis variegata, Caralluma variegata, Angolluma variegata, Piaranthus variegatus.
ToxicityTo humans
Starfish plant (Orbea variegata) contains toxic substances, specifically glycosides, which can be harmful if ingested. The toxicity can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting any part of the plant should be avoided, and if consumption occurs, medical advice should be sought promptly.
To pets
Starfish plant (Orbea variegata) is also toxic to pets due to its glycoside content. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, it can experience symptoms similar to humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly lethargy. Pet owners should prevent their animals from chewing or ingesting the plant, and if they suspect their pet has consumed any part, they should contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Succulent
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Orbea variegata, commonly known as Starfish Plant, requires minimal watering and care, making it suitable for busy or forgetful gardeners.
- Drought-tolerant: As a succulent, the Starfish Plant is highly adapted to dry conditions and can survive long periods without water.
- Unique Appearance: Its intriguing star-shaped flowers and mottled skin provide an exotic aesthetic different from typical flowering plants.
- Adaptability: The Starfish Plant can thrive both indoors and outdoors in suitable climates, providing flexibility in garden design and placement.
- Pest Resistant: It is resistant to most pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Propagation: This plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it simple to expand your collection or share with others.
- Ornamental Use: With its striking flowers and unusual structure, the Starfish Plant is often used as an ornamental piece in rockeries, succulent gardens, or as a curiosity in mixed displays.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the Starfish Plant can attract certain pollinators, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Display: Starfish cactus, due to its unique appearance and starfish-shaped flowers, is often used as an ornamental plant to enhance the aesthetic of rock gardens and desert-themed landscapes.
- Photography Subject: The unusual look of Starfish cactus, especially when in bloom, makes it a popular subject for botanical photographers and plant enthusiasts looking to add an exotic touch to their portfolios.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators may use Starfish cactus as a live example when teaching about succulents, adaptations of plants in arid environments, or pollination strategies.
- Collector's Item: Starfish cactus is sometimes sought after by succulent plant collectors and enthusiasts as part of a curation of rare or exotic plants.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique form and flowers of Starfish cactus can serve as an inspiration for artists, providing an organic form that can be interpreted in various mediums like sculpture, painting, or textile design.
- Ecological Studies: Researchers might use Starfish cactus as a case study to understand ecological relationships in arid environments, such as interactions with native pollinators.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures or communities, Starfish cactus might hold symbolic value and be used in cultural rituals or as a symbol in local art.
- Gardening Challenges: Starfish cactus is sometimes used by gardening enthusiasts as part of a challenge to grow and maintain less common or more demanding plants successfully.
- Dried Floral Arrangements: The flowers and stems of Starfish cactus, once dried, can be incorporated into dried floral arrangements for a touch of desert beauty that lasts.
- Theme Park and Set Design: In designing sets for movies or landscaping for theme parks, the Starfish cactus can be used to create an authentic or fantastical desert environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Starfish Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Starfish Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Survival: Orbea variegata, commonly known as the Starfish Plant or Carrion Flower, is adapted to arid environments. Its ability to store water and endure harsh conditions symbolizes strength, perseverance, and the will to survive.
- Uniqueness and Individuality: The Starfish Plant boasts unique star-shaped flowers with a distinct appearance. This symbolism reminds us to embrace our individuality and the beauty of being different.
- Protection and Defense: As a succulent with a robust form, the Starfish Plant can represent self-protective strategies and personal boundaries, advocating for self-care and defense against adversity.
- Adaptability: Its ability to thrive in challenging environments makes the Starfish Plant a symbol of adaptability and flexibility, encouraging one to adjust to new situations and find growth opportunies.
WaterThe Starfish Plant (Orbea variegata) prefers to be watered sparingly, mimicking its natural arid environment. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water deeply, ensuring excess water drains away. Typically, during the growing season in spring and summer, watering once every two weeks with about 8 ounces of water should suffice. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant enters a dormant period. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of underwatering for this succulent.
LightThe Starfish Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its fleshy leaves, so place it in a spot where it receives filtered light or partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. An east or west-facing window is ideal, ensuring the plant gets enough light without the harsh midday sun.
TemperatureThe Starfish Plant is comfortable in temperatures between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a drop down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but should not be exposed to frost or freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range to promote growth is between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Starfish Plant is generally done to remove spent flowers or any damaged or diseased stems to encourage healthy growth. It's best to prune after flowering, typically in late summer or fall. Use sterile scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Pruning is infrequent, only when necessary, to maintain the plant's shape or health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStarfish Flower prefers a well-draining soil mix, typically consisting of a combination of cactus potting mix and perlite or coarse sand. The ideal pH range for Starfish Flower should be slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingStarfish Flowers (also known as Carrion Flowers) should be repotted every few years or when they outgrow their container. Typically, repotting every 2-3 years suffices to refresh the soil and provide additional growing space.
Humidity & MistingStarfish Flower, being a succulent, tolerates dry air well and doesn't require high humidity levels. Average indoor humidity is generally adequate for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Starfish Flower in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Ensure bright, partial shade and protect from heavy rain.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleOrbea variegata, commonly known as Starfish Plant or Carrion Flower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination grows into a small succulent with fleshy, angular stems. As it matures, the plant develops a clump-forming habit with stems branching out and lying close to the ground or climbing over nearby structures. The plant periodically produces unusual five-pointed star-shaped flowers that exude a foul odor to attract pollinators, such as flies. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, horned fruit capsules that, when dry, release seeds to propagate the next generation. This perennial plant can live for many years, constantly growing new stems and flowers while older parts of the plant may senesce. Starfish Plants are drought-tolerant and require periods of dormancy, during which growth slows or ceases until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The best time to propagate Orbea variegata, commonly known as Starfish Plant, is during its active growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer. One of the most popular methods of propagation for Starfish Plant is by stem cuttings. To do this, a healthy stem segment should be chosen and cut with a clean, sharp knife. The cut piece should be allowed to callous over for a few days to prevent rot when planted. After the cut end has dried and calloused, it can be placed in a well-draining soil mix. Water sparingly at first to prevent rot and increase watering slightly once roots have established. Roots typically begin forming within a few weeks to a month, at which point the cutting can be treated as an established plant.
