Orbea variegata

It came from outer space ...or maybe a 1950s outer space movie! This easy-to-grow Stapeliad (a member of the Milkweed family) creates pretty darned spectacular blooms that look like meaty starfish. Typically 2” across with stunningly patterned chocolate/purple/bronze spots surrounding a starred center, blooms appear (after a year or two) from mid-summer to fall on soft, succulent, pendant stems to 10”. Yes, they smell like rotting meat (of course!) - all the better to attract those pollinating flies. Everything can’t be all butterflies and hummingbirds! Hardy to 20-30° F, the stems will quickly and easily fill out a 10” pot (in well drained soil.) Feed or add compost in winter and spring, allow to dry between waterings. Best in part sun outdoors, or as a houseplant in a west-facing window.

This cute little succulent's star-shaped flowers appear throughout the summer with defining form and color. The yellowish-tan colored blooms are marked with purple-brown spotting which radiate from the center with great symmetry. The perfect subject for hanging planters or small containers on the windowsill, the densely branching stems will cover the pot and trail over its edge. Being from the Cape Province of South Africa, it can withstand extended periods of dryness as well as cool temperatures in winter. An easy plant to maintain.

South Africa; Variable, stems to 12"; speckled carrion flowers to 6".

Unusual creamy yellow starfish-like flowers are heavily speckled with burgundy starting lightly at the outer edges and coloring the entire center of the flower. This is an extremely easy to grow and adaptable trailing succulent suitable for indoors or out where hardy. Mature plants flower over an extended period in summer. Grow in hanging baskets or containers to bring these curiously beautiful flowers closer to eye level. Provide with a well-drained soil.