Orbea Semota var. Lutea (Yellow Starfish Succulent)

Description

Orbea Semota var. Lutea A bit of a quirky succulent within the stapeliad clan. Known for its toothed branching stems and brilliant star-shaped yellow flowers. It is also commonly called the Yellow Orbea or Starfish Plant. This plant creeps and branches close to the ground, forming a mat of thick fleshy angular stems as it matures. It has an understated stem-appeal of its own, but its star, once mature, is its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers which look really nothing like the typical, simple succulent flowers we are accustomed to seeing.

Succulent lovers looking for a quirky plant to complement their collection will appreciate this option. It’s low and mat forming, so it fits perfectly into shallow dishes, rock gardens, and succulent mixes to naturalise with other plants in a well-drained arrangement. You could use this as an indoor succulent on a light sill, or grow it outside as part of an alpine or succulent planting, as long as the site is light and free draining. Something you’ll need to be prepared for from the start is that the flowers have a mild but distinctive carrion-like smell, which is perfectly normal and only helps the plant to attract its pollinators.

This drought resistant succulent can handle extended periods of dryness and so does not require a lot of attention with watering, which is ideal for frequent travelers or forgetful growers. Provided that they are kept in a bright light and well draining mix they establish and thrive easily to produce those wonderful starfish blooms.

Key Features

• Bright yellow flowers with an odd star-shape and a frilled, patterned surface
• Low, sprawling, mat-forming growth habit
• Fleshy, toothy stems provide interest even when not in flower
• Highly drought-tolerant once established
• Suited to rockeries, succulent bowls and mixed arrangements
• Low water requirement, ideal for infrequent watering schedules
• Flowers throughout warm weather (usually spring – fall).
• A distinctive, conversation-starting addition for succulent collectors

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Orbea Semota var. Lutea plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Plant-to-plant natural variability in stem shape and thickness and colouration is natural.
• You may detect a slightly carrion-like odor while these flowers are blooming. This is to be expected of this species.
• Allow for slight damage or stem softening during shipping, most will recover once plants establish themselves
• Be careful not to water too much, especially during winter, otherwise there will be a rapid formation of stem rot
• Keep away from prolonged harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the stems
• Plants will not be guaranteed flowering after purchase due to varying plants stages of growth, and growing conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do the flowers on my Orbea Semota have an odd smell?

A: The star shaped blooms on the plant in question produce a somewhat unpleasant smell in the form of carrion like odour. This scent attracts flies that can be in its native environment. Nothing has gone wrong with your plant.

Q: How frequently do I water a succulent such as this one?

A: Water when the soil has fully dried out, every 12 – 16 days, varying with climate conditions. Reduce this even more through winter time, over watering leads to more stem rots with this succulent.

Q: How do I take care of Orbea Semota var. Lutea indoors?

A: Orbea Semota var. Lutea will grow great indoors, in a bright window with lots of bright indirect light. Try not to put it in dark corners or the plant will not thrive, or do not grow any blooms.

Q: When do plants bloom?

A: Plants usually bloom when mature and settled, normally in the warm summer or fall months. It takes a few weeks for a young plant to put out its first blooms.

Q: Is this plant a heavy feeder and needs fertilizer?

A: Diluted liquid balanced fertilizer 1 times in every 4-6 weeks can be good for plant’s growth and flowers but don’t fertilize the plant in winter time as the plant becomes dormant.

Q: Is Orbea Semota var. Lutea pet-safe?

A: This plant isn’t known to be poisonous but still better to keep any plant of succulents safe from the reach of pets as some pets eat plant leaves or can turn the pots down.