Discovered by Johannes van Stapel, this plant gained its Latin name from his discovery. Hirsuta translates to hairy, which is used to describe the flowers. Starfish Flower is a succulent plant with fleshy square stems and large, hairy, star-shaped, maroon flowers. There are several varieties within the species. Some are easy to grow and others are more of a challenge. Varieties that have slightly hairy stems and the more showy or unusual flowers may not be as easy to grow as varieties that do not have these traits. Those varieties require careful watering during the growing season and no water applied during the winter months. Winter temperatures should be kept above 50 degrees and the soil should be kept dry. Placing the delicate plants on a heated grow bench will help them make it through the colder winter months. For a successful plant, use a gritty succulent soil mix as well as placing the plant in a clay pot with drainage holes. Clay pots are porous, which allows air and water to flow through the pot, which in turn will help prevent root rot and other diseases. Place a layer of grit on the surface of the soil to prevent moisture from accumulating around the stems base. Propagation can be done with both seeds and by cuttings. When working by either method, leave the seed or cutting laying on the ground, don't cover with soil. When placed in the soil, there is a good chance of root rot occurring. Once rooting has begun, the plant can be placed in a sandy soil mixture and allowing for good drainage. Flies pollinate the flowers. They are attracted to the foul smell of the flowers, the smell much like that of rotting meat. As the flower begins to fade, the hairs, color and surface take on the look of a decaying animal. This pollination results in twin seed horns that are very attractive. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs are the major insect issue for this plant. Woolly aphids are also an issue. An infestation of insects can cause damage to the stems, which in turn can cause fungal issues.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Sand
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Dense; Erect; Mounding
Texture
Medium
Leaf size
< 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Large 6", flat, maroon to purple, star-shaped flowers with a foul odor, similar to rotting meat. This odor attracts flies, which in turn lay their eggs on the flower. The flowers are quite hairy. Pollinated by flies.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Follicle
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The fruit is a small follicle that can sometimes contain several seeds. The seeds have a thin outer margin and many hairs. They are spread by the wind.
Stem color
Gray/Silver; Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
The subquadrangular stems grow up to 8" tall and thick. During the winter months and when grown in full sun, the stems will turn a reddish color. Vertical concave grooves along the stem.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
South Africa
Wildlife value
Flies pollinate the flowers which are also attractive to other pollinators. Small reptiles and birds feast on the flies.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Colorful; Easy to Grow; Textural; Wildlife Food Source
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Follicle
Uses (ethnobotany)
Rock gardens, container, houseplant.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants; Patio; Slope/Bank; Small Space
Landscape theme
Drought Tolerant Garden; Rock Garden
Design feature
Small groups
Garden tags
#malodorous #non-toxic for cats #non-toxic for horses #non-toxic for dogs #houseplant #container plant #succulent #showy flowers #showy #low growing #groundcover #frost tender #perennial #fly friendly #dry soils tolerant #drought tolerant