Starfish Cactus (Carrion Flower)

Soft four-angled stems and giant starfish flowers.

A collector's succulent with huge star-shaped flowers; keep it on a balcony when it blooms, as the flowers smell to attract flies.

Stapelia spp.

Varieties: Grandiflora, Gigantea, Variegata

Approx. 20-40 cm

Final size varies with the variety, pot size and light conditions.

Bright indirect light

Near a bright window behind a sheer curtain. Direct Riyadh midday sun can scorch the leaves.

Water only when the soil has dried out completely. Push a finger in to one knuckle; if it feels damp, wait. Overwatering is the main cause of damage.

Watering needs change with room temperature, pot size and season, so check the soil rather than following a fixed schedule.

Low humidity is fine

Handles dry air well and needs no extra humidity.

Ordinary indoor temperatures between 18 and 28°C suit it well.

Avoid direct AC airflow and intense heat behind glass in summer.

A well-draining cactus and succulent mix.

A balanced diluted liquid feed once a month from spring to early autumn; stop in winter.

Repot when roots fill the pot or push through the drainage holes, when the plant becomes unstable, or when growth slows. Move up one pot size only.

Remove yellow or dried leaves at the base; most of these plants need no regular pruning.

Wipe broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, and avoid leaf-polish products.

Loves heat and bright light; water sparingly and never in winter.

Not on the ASPCA list; generally regarded as low-risk, but keep out of reach.

Source: the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet swallows any plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.

• Yellow leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage.
• Brown tips: dry air, tap-water minerals or a direct AC draft.
• Root rot: the main risk for this plant, caused by watering too often.
• Slow growth: not enough light or time to repot.

Spider mites in dry conditions, Mealybugs on stems and leaves

• Shaded balcony
• Desk
• Kitchen

• Birthday

Simple cream ceramic in keeping with the Flower Palace look.

• Small·20-40 cm · 12-15 cm pot
• Medium·40-90 cm · 17-21 cm pot
• Large·90-150 cm · 24-30 cm pot
• Statement·Over 150 cm · 30 cm pot and above

Available sizes vary by plant and stock; confirm the size when ordering.