# Starfish Flower (Orbea variegata)

> Native to the coastal areas of South Africa's Western Cape, Orbea variegata produces sprawling, four-angled succulent stems with pronounced toothed tubercles. It is celebrated for its remarkable five-pointed starfish-like flowers, intricately patterned with chocolate-brown speckles over a pale yellow base with a prominent raised central ring (annulus). The blossoms emit a faint carrion scent to attract blowfly pollinators, making it an extraordinary oddity in succulent horticulture.

- **Scientific Name:** *Orbea variegata*
- **Botanical Family:** Apocynaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Moderate (2/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -2°C (USDA Zone 9b) - Can tolerate brief light freezes only if kept bone dry.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Pet-Safe (Non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/orbea-variegata
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/orbea-variegata.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_orbea_variegata.webp?v=1794402070

## Light & Sun Exposure

Bright indirect light to partial morning sun. Harsh, scorching afternoon sun can cause stress-induced purpling or stem sunburn.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Follow the soak-and-dry protocol; allow the substrate to dry out entirely between waterings. In winter, withhold water almost completely to prevent fungal stem and root rot.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% pumice or lava grit + 40% well-draining cactus soil; top-dress with coarse grit to protect the collar from moisture.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-2°C (USDA Zone 9b) - Can tolerate brief light freezes only if kept bone dry.

## Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings (allowed to callus for 3-5 days prior to potting), division of rooted stems, or seeds.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Benekli Denizyıldızı Leş Çiçeği (Orbea variegata)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/orbea-variegata.md)
- [DE: Aasblume (Orbea variegata)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/orbea-variegata.md)
- [ES: Flor de la estrella (Orbea variegata)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/orbea-variegata.md)