Apocynaceae
Carrion Flower (Orbea variegata): Complete Care Guide
Orbea variegata
An exceptionally easy-care succulent. Thrives in bright light or direct sun, needs very infrequent watering, and tolerates drought well. Perfect for beginners and succulent collections alike.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
10° - 38°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Carrion Flower?
Carrion Flower (Orbea variegata) is a easy-care plant from the Apocynaceae family. Orbea variegata, commonly known as Carrion Flower or Starfish Plant, is a low-growing succulent native to the Cape Province of South Africa. It produces striking star-shaped flowers up to 8 cm across, yellow or off-white with dark maroon spots, that emit a carrion odor to attract fly pollinators.
Carrion Flower grows up to 10cm, with spread of 50cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C â 38°C, 20â50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Carrion Flower tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Carrion Flower is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Carrion Flower?
TLDR: Carrion Flower needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-38°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Carrion Flower?
Water every 14 days during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. In winter, withhold water almost entirely â only water lightly if stems begin to shrivel.
How Much Light Does Carrion Flower Need?
Provide at least 6 hours of bright direct or indirect light daily. Outdoors, full sun is ideal. Indoors, place in the sunniest window available, ideally south or west facing.
What Is the Best Soil for Carrion Flower?
Use sandy, well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5â8.5. A commercial cactus mix amended with extra perlite or coarse sand works well.
What Pot Should You Use for Carrion Flower?
Terra cotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Avoid oversized pots â this plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Carrion Flower and Where Does It Come From?
Orbea variegata, commonly known as Carrion Flower or Starfish Plant, is a low-growing succulent native to the Cape Province of South Africa. It produces striking star-shaped flowers up to 8 cm across, yellow or off-white with dark maroon spots, that emit a carrion odor to attract fly pollinators.
How to Propagate Carrion Flower?
Stem Cutting
Use a sterilized blade. Do not water immediately after planting â let the callous form to prevent rot.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 5â8 cm long
- 2 Allow the cut end to callous for 1â2 days
- 3 Plant in slightly moist sandy substrate
- 4 Water lightly after 1 week
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
Germination occurs in 2â4 weeks at 20â25°C (68â77°F).
- 1 Sow seeds on the surface of moist sandy mix
- 2 Cover lightly with fine sand
- 3 Keep in a warm, bright location
- 4 Mist lightly until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Carrion Flower Grow?
TLDR: Carrion Flower can reach up to 10cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Carrion Flower?
TLDR: Carrion Flower is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Despite its alarming name, the Carrion Flower is completely non-toxic â the foul smell is purely a trick to attract fly pollinators
Orbea variegata was formerly classified as Stapelia variegata before being reclassified into the Orbea genus
It is one of the most drought-tolerant succulents, surviving weeks without water
Its star-shaped flowers can reach 8 cm across and have a leathery, animal-skin-like texture
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Orbea variegata?
Is the Carrion Flower toxic to pets?
Why do the flowers smell bad?
Can it grow indoors?
How do I propagate Orbea variegata?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | â ïļ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | â ïļ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | â ïļ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | â ïļ |
