Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.
Overwatering is the most common cause of problems for Orbea variegata.
Also known as Carrion-Flower · Little Carrion Flower · Red Dragon Flower
Orbea variegata, the Variegated Carrion-flower, is a unique succulent with star-shaped, mottled flowers that attract flies for pollination.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct sun, but may scorch.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
25% intensity
Water thoroughly when dry, reduce in winter.
Well-draining
50% intensity
Average room temperatures.
50% intensity
Prefers 18-24°C during growth, cooler (10-15°C) in winter dormancy.
Feed sparingly.
25% intensity
Diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.
Overwatering is the most common cause of problems for Orbea variegata.
Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Pruning can also be done to control the plant's size or shape, though it's not typically necessary for aesthetic reasons.
Remove spent flower stalks.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days to a week before planting them in well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks in warm conditions with bright light.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess moisture retention.
Repot in spring.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Variegated Carrion-Flower (Orbea variegata)
Where Variegated Carrion-Flower (Orbea variegata) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Orbea |
| Species | Orbea variegata |
Similar in genus Orbea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data