Starfish flower
Stapelia hirsuta
Also called Carrion flower, Starfish cactus, Stapelia and Shaggy stapelia
Houseplant · Succulents & cactiA clump of soft toothed stems and then, one week in autumn, a hairy purple star the size of a saucer that smells of dead meat — because flies are its pollinators. Put it outside for the week.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 16 daysSoak, then bone-dry — wait until the soil is dry right through — lift the pot, it tells you.
- Light
- Bright, with some direct sun
- Feed
- Every 90 days
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Indoors, or out for the summer RHS H1C, to 5°C
- Size
- 0.2 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- South Africa
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsSafe for pets
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-21.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.