PlantFiles: Carrion Plant, Starfish Flower, Starfish Cactus
Stapelia grandiflora

I have a very large star fish cactus that has already bloomed a big flower and has about 12 more bud still to bloom. it has busted its pot and needs repotting , will take pics soon for others to injoy, this one has more of a grey and red color, bristol tenn.

I have 2 different types of the plant, I think. One has many very small flowers and one has the giant flower. It was such an unexpected shock when it first bloomed and now I look forward to each one. I just wish I knew how to make them produce more flowers. So far I only get one big one a year.
Any suggestions?

This plant is awsome, i have a few, growing inside, in my west facing window! And they do great.. Be sure to let them dry out real good before watering again, because they are prone to root rot. No pest's noted. They do tend to smell when the flower is touched or if you disturbe the hairs, smells like bad feet to me!! But other than that, an easy and very pretty plant to grow, everyone should own one, or two!

When we moved to Pheonix, Az in late 1989 I planted one plant on each side of the front door. By the summer of 1992 they covered an area 2' x 3' on each side.
They flowered mostly during the fall and winter. Only drawback is that the flowers do draw flies.
They seem to grow in any old dirt but spread and bloom well in 1/4 sand, 1/2 organic matter and 1/4 dirt.

I have a few pretty big ones. I had heard they dislike full sun so mine are in the shade. Maybe that's why I haven't seen any blooms yet?

This is a great succulent groundcover that should be used much more often. Here in Hawaii it blooms sporadically throughout the year in large waves of the most unusual blooms. Kids love the lightly furry blooms. This needs to be planted in a prominent location. It does great in about half day sun or more, but the blooms fade quickly in full sun, so it is best in afternoon shade. Quite vigorous but very easy to maintain and propagate by cuttings or sections pulled away. I would imagine it dislikes standing water or constantly moist soil, however after rainy periods it blooms even more profusely. I have a large one in a 14" hanging basket on my front lanai and it always attracts attention since it is at eye level. Highly recommended for the lovers of the unusual, and easy even if a patio plant only.

i have several seedlings growing. they are about an inch tall. i will be transplanting them into seperate pots soon. i am in lakeland, fl. they are in partial shade in the a.m. and full sun about an hour. marilynne