How to Grow Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower
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Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower
Stapelia flavopurpurea
succulentStapelia flavopurpurea is a low-growing, spineless succulent native to South Africa, known for its distinctive star-shaped flowers with yellow and purple coloring and a characteristic carrion-like odor. The plant forms clusters of thick, fleshy stems and produces intricate, textured blooms that attract flies for pollination. It is prized by collectors for its unique flowers and relatively easy care requirements.
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Example Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; in cooler regions, grow in containers and bring indoors during winter
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Get my Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung cuttings or newly potted plants develop roots and establish baseline growth. Stems are small and compact.
Keep in bright, indirect light. Water very lightly every 2-3 weeks. Avoid fertilizing. Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Use well-draining soil.
Vegetative Growth
Several months to yearsPlant develops multiple stems and expands its clump. Stems grow upright and cluster together, becoming thicker and more numerous.
Provide bright light and warmth. Water when soil is completely dry (every 2-3 weeks during spring-summer). Fertilize lightly with diluted low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer once monthly. Pinch or prune to encourage bushier growth.
Pre-flowering
2-4 weeks before floweringMature stems show flower buds forming along their edges. Plant is fully established with dense clustering. No visible flowers yet, but buds are evident.
Maintain bright light and consistent warmth. Continue moderate watering schedule. A cool, dry rest period in winter (50-60°F) helps trigger flowering. Reduce water frequency in fall.
Flowering
1-2 weeks per flower; successive blooms over several weeksLarge, star-shaped flowers with 5 petals emerge, typically yellow with purple or dark red markings and intricate, velvety texture. Flowers emit a strong, unpleasant carrion-like smell to attract flies.
Provide excellent air circulation to help manage odor. Continue regular care but avoid overwatering. Flowers last 1-2 weeks. Pollinate manually with a brush if growing indoors. Do not disturb blooming plants unnecessarily.
Seed Pod Development
4-8 weeks to full seed pod maturityAfter pollination, flowers fade and fleshy seed pods develop. Pods are pod-shaped and may become visible within 2-3 weeks.
Allow pods to mature fully before harvesting for seed collection. Reduce watering slightly but maintain bright light. If not collecting seeds, remove pods to redirect energy to vegetative growth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil. Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Improve air circulation. Treat every 7-10 days for 2-3 weeks.
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Scrape off manually with a soft brush or cloth. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate infested plants. Repeat treatment every 2 weeks as needed.
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Increase humidity and air circulation slightly. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Mist leaves with water (but allow to dry quickly). Remove severely affected stems.
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Prevent through excellent drainage and sparse watering. Remove affected parts and repot in fresh, sterile soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Unique Collectible Houseplant
OrnamentalStapelia flavopurpurea is prized by succulent collectors and enthusiasts for its striking, intricate flowers with distinctive star shape and color patterns. The plant adds visual interest and conversation appeal to indoor plant collections. [source]
Fly Pollination
WildlifeThe plant's carrion-like odor attracts flies and other insects, making it an interesting example of deceit pollination strategy in nature. Growing this plant provides insight into unusual plant-insect relationships. [source]
Low-Maintenance Indoor/Outdoor Decoration
HouseholdIts minimal water and fertilizer requirements, compact growth habit, and drought tolerance make it ideal for offices, windowsills, and low-care garden settings. It thrives with neglect compared to most houseplants. [source]
Propagation and Sharing
CraftStapelia is easily propagated from stem cuttings, making it a popular plant for gardeners to propagate and share with friends and fellow collectors. Home propagation requires no special equipment. [source]
Botanical Study Subject
EducationalThe plant demonstrates interesting adaptations including xerophytic leaf structure, pollination by mimicry, and succulent water storage. It provides excellent educational opportunities for understanding plant ecology. [source]
Harvest Tips
Stapelia flowers are not harvested for use but are enjoyed in place. For seed collection, allow flower pods to mature fully on the plant (4-8 weeks). When pods split and begin releasing seeds, collect and dry them. Propagate from cuttings year-round by taking 2-3 inch stem segments, allowing to callus for 3-5 days, then inserting into well-draining soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Carrion Flower' comes from the plant's distinctive smell, which mimics rotting flesh to attract flies for pollination. The odor is strongest when flowers first open and typically dissipates after a few days.
- 🌱 Stapelia species are native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa, and belong to the milkweed family (Apocynaceae). Despite their appearance, they are not true cacti but rather leafless succulents.
- 🌱 The intricate, velvety texture of the flower petals, often described as having a 'hairy' appearance, also serves to attract and guide flies to the flower's center, enhancing pollination success.
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