Huernia thuretii Stapelia Starfish Flower – Collection No. 35

Huernia thuretii is a compact, clumping Stapelia relative with intricately patterned cream and reddish-brown flowers. Concentric bands lead into a glossy, deep burgundy centre, giving the flower a striking geometric appearance.

This is Collection No. 35 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 are generally approximately 2.5–3.5 cm across. Five triangular lobes form a compact star around a rounded central tube. The cream to pale yellow surface is marked with reddish-brown bands and broken lines, becoming darker and more concentrated toward the centre.

The markings of Huernia thuretii are naturally variable. Individual flowers may differ in the thickness, spacing and intensity of their bands, even when produced by the same plant.

Flowers are produced from around the lower portions of the stems during active growth and may open successively.

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 is a compact species with short, fleshy stems divided into four to six angles. The stems are lined with prominent pointed tubercles that resemble small teeth but are not true spines.

New stems develop around the base, gradually forming a dense clump. Stem colour can range from green to bronze, pink or reddish-purple depending on light levels, temperature and seasonal conditions.

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. Pink, bronze or purple stem colouring can develop under bright light or seasonal stress and is not necessarily a sign of poor health.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical name: Huernia thuretii
• Collection number: 35
• Common group: Stapelia or Starfish Flower
• Flower colour: Cream with reddish-brown banding and a dark burgundy centre
• Flower size: Approximately 2.5–3.5 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