Stapelia scitula

Also Known As

Starfish Flower

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3"
W: 12"

planting zones

10a-11

More Options

Stapelia scitula plant details

Stapelia scitula is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green, variegated and white foliage. In fall and winter burgundy flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and low water. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Stapelia scitula

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 3 IN tall
Flowers: burgundy blooms in fall and winter
Uses: container plant, houseplant, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Stapelia scitula

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Stapelia scitula is a wonderful little succulent known as small starfish flower with thick, ridged stems that produce balloon-like cream buds that open into waxy, burgundy red, five-pointed, starfish-like flowers. Rings of lighter tones spread outwards from the centre of each flower like ripples of water. Unlike other members of the genus, we don't discern any fly-attracting "fragrance" to these flowers. Best to keep above 10 degrees Celsius in winter as a houseplant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A diminutive little stapelia with cute little maroon flowers and lime green branches. Easy and prolific.

By: Paradise Found Nursery

A miniature version of the larger Stapelias, its small slender stems are no more than 3" in height. Throughout the year, scitula is adorned with 1" reddish star-shaped blooms, each the size of a quarter. Free-blooming and at times prolific, this is the perfect plant for a sunny dry windowsill, especially where room is limited. Forgetful watering is a plus, as it needs some dryness between waterings to flourish. Note: plants are seed-grown creating some slight variation in color.