Stapelia hirsuta [large]
Best unique succulent for collectors who appreciate striking, unconventional floral displays.
Discover the Stapelia hirsuta, a captivating succulent celebrated for its effortless care and remarkable blooms. This unique plant showcases distinctive four-sided stems and consistently produces stunning flowers, approximately 4.0" wide, resembling hairy sea stars. These blossoms, varying in color from red to yellow, attract pollinators with a scent and appearance reminiscent of carrion. Flowering typically occurs during the summer and fall months. Arriving fully rooted in a 3.5" pot, the Stapelia hirsuta thrives in bright light, requiring excellent drainage and infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for succulent enthusiasts.
$13.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 9218
#3 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Mature Height
8.0
/ inches
Who it's for
- Designers seeking a unique, exotic conversation piece
- Busy gardeners needing a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant
- Decorators wanting an immediate, mature visual impact
Who should skip it
- Indoor gardeners sensitive to strong, unpleasant smells
- Plant owners who dislike frequent pest monitoring
- Beginners struggling with precise light placement
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Low water requirements make this an ideal set-and-forget succulent.
Visual Impact
The hairy, star-shaped blooms provide a striking, unconventional aesthetic.
Growth Rate
Slow development requires patience for those seeking rapid vertical growth.
Indoor Adaptability
Thrives in bright indoor light with minimal humidity adjustments needed.
Fragrance Profile
The carrion-like scent is a functional pollinator attractant, not a perfume.
Pet Safety
Toxic properties necessitate keeping this plant away from curious pets.
Key Specs
Mature Height
8.0 inches
Care Level
Easy
Watering Frequency
Low
Plant Type
Succulent
Pot Diameter
3.5 inches
Growth Habit
Clumping
Flowering Season
Summer, Fall
Fragrance
None
Features
- Easy-care stapeliad variety
- Unique hairy sea star-like flowers
- Flowers attract pollinators
- Striking red to yellow blooms
- Blooms in summer and fall
- Requires bright light
- Infrequent watering needed
- Fully rooted in pot
What customers say
Customers are overwhelmingly delighted with the 'Stapelia hirsuta [large],' consistently praising the exceptional size and robust health of the specimens. Plants frequently arrive as mature, multi-stemmed clumps, exceeding expectations for the size designation. A recurring theme is the superior quality of the plant material, noted for firm stems and well-established roots. Furthermore, reviewers highly commend Mountain Crest Gardens' superior packaging, which secures the succulents meticulously, minimizing soil disturbance and breakage during transit. This combination of receiving a large, healthy specimen with reliable shipping methods leads to a consensus that this purchase offers excellent value. The overall satisfaction is extremely high, driving strong repurchase intent within the enthusiast community.
Know before you buy
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep it in a location that is inaccessible to curious cats or dogs.
Stapelia hirsuta prefers bright, indirect light or filtered sun. Placing it near a sunny window where it can receive plenty of light without harsh, direct afternoon rays is ideal.
This plant is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, especially during the cooler months.
Yes, the flowers are designed to attract pollinators by mimicking the scent of carrion. While the blooms are visually stunning, you may notice a distinct odor when the plant is in flower during the summer and fall.
Yes, excellent drainage is essential for this succulent. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix and ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent excess moisture from sitting around the roots.
This is a slow-growing, clumping succulent that reaches a mature height of approximately 8 inches. It arrives fully rooted in a 3.5-inch pot, making it a great size for windowsills or small tabletops.
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$14