{"product_id":"huernia-oculata-stapelia-starfish-flower-collection-no-23","title":"Huernia oculata Stapelia Starfish Flower – Collection No. 23","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHuernia oculata\u003c\/strong\u003e is a distinctive clumping Stapelia relative with cream-coloured, star-shaped flowers covered in dark red spotting. The pale outer flower surrounds a deep burgundy to almost black central eye, giving this species its characteristic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Collection No. 23 in our Starfish Flower range. We use “Stapelia” as a simple name for the wider group, which also includes closely related genera such as \u003cem\u003eHuernia\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eOrbea\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePiaranthus\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eStapelianthus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Flower\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flower forms a broad, shallow cup with five main lobes and smaller points between them, creating a sharply defined star shape. Its cream to pale yellow surface is irregularly spotted with red, becoming increasingly dark toward the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep central eye is the defining feature of this species and is reflected in the name \u003cem\u003eoculata\u003c\/em\u003e. Flowers are generally produced around the lower portions of the stems during active growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlower size, shape, spotting and colour intensity may vary slightly between individual blooms and under different growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSmell Rating\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMild\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis species produces narrow, angular stems with prominent soft teeth along their edges. The stems may colour from green through bronze and reddish-purple when grown in strong light or under seasonal stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNew growth develops around the base and gradually forms an upright to spreading clump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright filtered light or gentle morning sun. Protect from harsh afternoon sun, particularly during summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water thoroughly during active growth, then allow the potting mix to dry before watering again.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep considerably drier during cold weather. Cold, wet conditions can quickly cause stem and root rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePotting mix:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a very free-draining succulent mix with additional mineral material such as pumice, perlite or coarse grit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protect from frost and prolonged cold, wet conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a diluted, balanced fertiliser occasionally during active growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Shipping Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThese plants are extremely brittle. Please purchase expecting the plant to move, come out of its pot or have some stems detach during transport.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Supplied\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach plant is naturally different. Stem number, height, shape and colouring will vary from the representative plants shown. Red or purple stem colouring can develop under bright light and is not necessarily a sign of poor health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHuernia oculata\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollection number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon group:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stapelia or Starfish Flower\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cream with red spotting and a dark central eye\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmell rating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright to spreading and clumping\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePot size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 66 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright filtered light or gentle morning sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to moderate, with reduced winter watering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Lodge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52373894005024,"sku":"S219","price":29.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0788\/6261\/4816\/files\/607fa328-f042-43e8-bacc-cbeb99b3c850.jpg?v=1789701703","url":"https:\/\/collectorsonline.com.au\/products\/huernia-oculata-stapelia-starfish-flower-collection-no-23","provider":"Collectors Online","version":"1.0","type":"link"}