Stapelia Species

Stapelia species

Stapelia is native to the arid regions of tropical and southern Africa, in Botswana, Zimbabwe and especially in Namibia and South Africa where about 43 species occur.

Is Stapelia a cactus or succulent?

Stapelia gigantea is sometimes mistaken for a cactus, but it is a succulent. Its thick green stems grow in clumps up to 8 inches tall.

Is Stapelia poisonous?

Is the Stapelia plant toxic? No, the succulent plant is not toxic to animals or humans.

Do Stapelia eat flies?

One group of South African succulents, carrion flowers (Stapelia spp.), does just that. Unique carrion flowers have evolved very exotic starfish-like blossoms that kill the most ubiquitous insect in Africa: the fly.

Are mermaid tail succulents rare?

Are mermaid tail succulents rare? Yes! This type of succulent is considered to be a rare plant. The factor which contributes to being rare is that this plant is a mutation.

Do Stapelia flowers smell?

Stapelia is a genus of perennial succulent plants from South Africa. It is in the Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae) which is the same plant family as milkweeds. Many species of Stapelia are known for having flowers that smell like rotting meat giving them the common name “carrion flower”.

Can you touch a Stapelia flower?

I detect a not so nice fragrance that seems to be attracting bugs and flies. A gooey situation might occur if you try to pick these blossoms; you can look, but don't touch this unique bloom at the Botanical Gardens of the Sanibel Moorings.

Does Stapelia like full sun?

Light: Indoors or outdoors, starfish plants like lots of bright, indirect sunlight. Protect them against direct sun as it can be damaging.

Can you grow Stapelia from cuttings?

Stapelia is easily propagated, especially by stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to dry in a cool, shady location for 48 hours and then stick them in a well-drained potting soil mix. Water moderately (preferably from below by placing the container in a tray and then filling the tray with water). Cuttings should root easily.

Are Stapelia toxic to dogs?

According to the ASPCA this species is not toxic to cats, dogs or horses (ASPCA 2022).

Do starfish cactus attract flies?

Starfish Plant is a succulent plant with very large star-fish looking flowers in the dog bane family. It is native to southern Africa. Its other common name Carrion Flower comes from the fact that the flower has the odor of rotting meat. The flowers attract flies as pollinators.

Why is my starfish cactus turning purple?

A purple color in cacti is caused by cool and dry conditions. Turning purple is the plant's way of responding to environmental stress. Succulents, agave, and aloe varieties also turn reddish, burgundy, or purple when exposed to stress.

How long does it take for a Stapelia to bloom?

Stapelias are quick and easy from seed Viable seeds sprout very quickly, usually within a week, and certainly within two. Precocious seedlings will flower at three years of age, although their siblings might take a year or two longer.

How often does Stapelia flower?

When Does Stapelia Gigantica Bloom? In North America, Stapelia can put out its first blooms as early as late spring, but it'll probably give you its best show in the fall. Your plant may put out multiple over the course of those months, or it might be stingy and just give you one big amazing bloom.

Why do Stapelia attract flies?

Carrion flower (Stapelia nobilis) – is a deep blood-maroon coloured flower which exudes a fly-attracting odour of rotting meat. The carrion flies come into the flower to feed and lay their eggs into what they believe is rotting flesh.

What is the hardest succulent to take care of?

Hybrid Succulents Compton Carousels and Silver Prince are drop-dead gorgeous succulents, but they are some of the most difficult plants to care for.

What are the rarest succulents in the world?

10 Rare succulents in the world

Giant Quiver Tree. An extremely rare species of outdoor tree aloe is the giant quiver tree.
Baseball Plant. ...
Echeveria gibbiflora 'Barbillion' ...
Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans. ...
Graptoveria 'Topsy Debbie' ...
Plover Eggs Plant. ...
Crinkle Leaf Plant. ...
Pebbled Tiger Jaws.

How much are mermaid tails worth?

The cost of a fabric mermaid tail for beginners ranges between $60 to $200. More advanced mermaids who are looking for silicone mermaid tails can expect a price from $1300 to $5000. Mermaid tails vary in cost depending on five main factors: the material, monofin, manufacturing, size, and tail maker.