Huernia keniensis var. grandiflora Stapelia Starfish Flower – Collection No. 17

Huernia keniensis var. grandiflora is a compact, clumping Stapelia relative from Kenya. It produces unusually large, dark maroon flowers from around the base of its stems, with a broad central cup, five pointed lobes and a finely textured surface.

This is Collection No. 17 in our Starfish Flower range. We use “Stapelia” as a simple name for the wider group, which also includes closely related genera such as Huernia, Orbea, Piaranthus and Stapelianthus.

The Flower

The flowers can reach approximately 5 cm across and are considerably larger than those of the typical form of Huernia keniensis. Colour ranges from deep reddish-maroon to very dark burgundy, with a raised central annulus and a densely textured inner surface.

Flowers are generally produced near the base of the stems during active growth. Colour, size and shape may vary slightly between individual flowers and under different growing conditions.

Smell Rating

Mild

The flowers may produce a mild carrion-like scent that is generally only noticeable at close range. Scent strength can vary with temperature, flower age and growing conditions.

Growth Habit

This variety produces upright to spreading, angular green stems with prominent soft teeth along their edges. New stems develop around the base, gradually forming a compact clump suitable for container growing.

Care

• Light: Bright filtered light or gentle morning sun. Protect from harsh afternoon sun, particularly during summer.
• Water: Water thoroughly during active growth, then allow the potting mix to dry before watering again.
• Winter: Keep considerably drier during cold weather. Cold, wet conditions can quickly cause stem and root rot.
• Potting mix: Use a very free-draining succulent mix with additional mineral material such as pumice, perlite or coarse grit.
• Temperature: Protect from frost and prolonged cold, wet conditions.
• Feeding: Apply a diluted, balanced fertiliser occasionally during active growth.

Important Shipping Information

These plants are extremely brittle. Please purchase expecting the plant to move, come out of its pot or have some stems detach during transport.

Although your plant will be dispatched in a pot, it should be treated as effectively bare-rooted during delivery. Stapelia and related plants have fleshy stems that separate very easily, so disturbed potting mix, a loose plant or some broken stems can occur despite careful packing.

Please be prepared to reposition or repot the main plant and to pot any healthy stems that detach. Allow detached stems to dry and seal before placing them into a dry, free-draining succulent mix. Do not immediately water freshly detached stems.

This is a normal characteristic of these plants and does not generally affect their health. However, if your plant arrives crushed, soft, blackened or with extensive damage, please photograph it immediately and contact us.

Plant Supplied

You will receive an established plant growing in a 66 mm pot. The flower photograph shows the mature bloom for identification and reference. Plants are not necessarily supplied in flower.

Each plant is naturally different. Stem number, height, shape and colouring will vary from the representative plants shown.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical name: Huernia keniensis var. grandiflora
• Collection number: 17
• Common group: Stapelia or Starfish Flower
• Flower colour: Deep maroon to dark burgundy
• Flower size: Approximately 5 cm across
• Smell rating: Mild
• Growth habit: Compact and clumping
• Pot size: 66 mm
• Position: Bright filtered light or gentle morning sun
• Water needs: Low to moderate, with reduced winter watering