Stapelia schinzii var. angolensis Starfish Flower – Collection No. 93

Stapelia schinzii var. angolensis is a spreading succulent grown for its large, unusual flowers. Each bloom opens into a broad five-pointed star in muted reddish-purple to dusty pink, with a heavily wrinkled surface, fine marginal hairs and a contrasting central corona.

This is Collection No. 93 in our Starfish Flower range.

The Flower

The flowers commonly reach approximately 8–10 cm across. Their long, tapering lobes form a strong star shape, while the surface develops dense transverse wrinkles that give the bloom an almost leathery appearance. Fine purple hairs are usually visible around the margins.

Flowers are produced from the lower sections of the stems during active growth. Colour, size, hairiness and shape can vary slightly between individual blooms and under different growing conditions.

Smell Rating

Medium

The flowers produce a noticeable carrion-like scent intended to attract pollinating flies. It is generally strongest near an open flower and may become more noticeable during warm weather. Scent strength varies with temperature, flower age and growing conditions.

Growth Habit

This variety develops fleshy, angular stems with a low, loosely spreading habit. New stems branch from the base and may trail across the surface of the pot as the plant develops into a larger clump.

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: Stapelia schinzii var. angolensis
• Collection number: 93
• Common name: Starfish Flower
• Flower colour: Reddish-purple to dusty pink
• Flower size: Approximately 8–10 cm across
• Smell rating: Medium
• Growth habit: Low and spreading
• Pot size: 66 mm
• Position: Bright filtered light or gentle morning sun
• Water needs: Low to moderate, with reduced winter watering