Stapelianthus decaryi (Syn. Stapelianthus pilosus) Stapelia Starfish Flower – Collection No. 76

Stapelianthus decaryi is an unusual Madagascan stapeliad with low, spreading stems covered in prominent pointed tubercles. The mottled green, grey and bronze stems develop stronger reddish colouring when grown in brighter light.

Its distinctive star-shaped flowers are cream with irregular reddish-purple markings, finely fringed margins and a deep maroon central tube. The flowers have a mild scent.

Plant Supplied

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

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. Stapelianthus and related stapeliads have fleshy stems and relatively shallow root systems. Disturbed potting mix, a loose plant or detached 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.

Care

• Light: Bright filtered light or gentle morning sun. Some direct light encourages compact growth and stronger stem colour, but protect from harsh summer afternoon sun.
• Water: Water when the mix has dried during active growth. Keep much drier during winter and cool weather.
• Temperature: Warm-growing. Protect from frost, high winter humidity and prolonged cold, wet conditions.
• Media: Use a gritty, very free-draining succulent mix.
• Fertiliser: Apply a diluted, low-nitrogen fertiliser during active growth.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical name: Stapelianthus decaryi
• Collection number: 76
• Common group: Stapelia or Starfish Flower
• Origin: Madagascar
• Flower colour: Cream with reddish-purple markings and a dark maroon centre
• Flower form: Five-pointed star with finely fringed margins and a deep central tube
• Smell rating: Mild
• Growth habit: Low, spreading and clump-forming
• Stem colour: Mottled green, grey, bronze and reddish tones
• Pot size: 66 mm