How to Grow a Starfish Cactus

Consider yourself forewarned: The starfish cactus (Orbea variegata) stinks when it's blooming. Growing in a clumping form to 4 inches in height, it bears green and purple stems and, in the summer, pale yellow flowers with leopard-like spots. The odor is to attract its pollinators — flies — so you may want to site the starfish cactus well away from where people congregate or from windows that you like to keep open in the summer. While the starfish cactus is a succulent, it is not a true cactus.

Planting container
Potting soil
Sand
Succulent potting mix (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Grow the starfish cactus in a pot so you can bring it indoors during cool weather.
- 2
  Pot the starfish cactus in a mixture of equal parts of potting soil and sand, or use a commercial succulent potting mix.
- 3
  Keep the potted starfish cactus in an area where it won't receive direct sun. Placing it outdoors in the shade of a taller tree is ideal when the weather is mild. Experiment with different light levels, if the plant is kept indoors, until you find the ideal situation.
- 4
  Water the starfish cactus just enough to keep it from dying. The plant, as with most succulents, is susceptible to root rot, and too much water may kill it. Keep an eye on the starfish cactus, and if you notice the stems beginning to pucker or shrink, water the plant thoroughly. Watch it more closely during hot weather.

How to Transplant a Small Cactus

How to Take Care of Cereus

Growing Cactus