Orbea variegata aka Carrion Flower

Taxonomy

Orbea variegata, also known as the star flower, is a leafless succulent perennial in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the coastal belt of the Western Cape, South Africa, where it grows actively during the winter rainfall season. The plant can grow up to 10 cm tall and 50 cm broad and has cactus-like toothed stems. Orbea variegata produces highly variable, star-shaped, off-white or yellow flowers that are strongly speckled with maroon and can reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The flowers may show regular or irregular markings and have five pointed or blunt lobes surrounding a central, pentagonal annulus (corona). In order to attract potential insect pollinators, the flowers may have a faint carrion smell. Orbea variegata is a popular plant in cultivation and is often sold under its former name, Stapelia variegata. It has many common names including starfish plant, starfish cactus, carrion cactus, carrion flower, toad cactus, and toad plant. However, it is worth noting that this species is an invasive plant in southern Australia. On the other hand, Stapelia Planiflora Jacq. is another popular houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Carrion Flower, Starfish Cactus, Toad Cactus

How to care for Carrion Flower

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Carrion Flower is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Carrion Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Carrion Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Starfish Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Carrion Flower plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.


More info:
Wikipedia