Stapelia gigantea
Stapelia gigantea
Giant stapelia
◆
Taxonomy
Family Apocynaceae · Genus Stapelia
Common Names
Giant stapeliaZulu giantCarrion flower
Context
nativeRegion
Arid regions of southeastern Africa, including Tanzania and South Africa.
usdaZones
10–11 (can be grown indoors elsewhere).
companionPlants
Hoodia gordonii, Aloe spp., Euphorbia spp., Orbea spp.
culturalUses
Grown mainly as a curiosity for its striking and unusual flowers; not widely used medicinally or culinarily.
Care
Care Requirements
LightPrefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun. Too much shade may reduce blooming.
WateringAllow soil to dry out between waterings; overwatering can cause rot. Water sparingly, especially in winter.
SoilWell-draining, gritty cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
FertilizerFeed with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), once a month.
HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity; avoid high humidity environments.
TemperatureThrives in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F); protect from frost below 10°C (50°F).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSucculent, sprawling perennial with thick, green, star-shaped stems.
Mature SizeTypically reaches 20–30 cm (8–12 in) in height and can spread up to 50 cm (20 in) wide.
Growth RateModerate growth rate under optimal conditions.
BloomingProduces large, star-shaped, foul-smelling blooms (up to 40 cm across) in late summer to autumn.
DormancyDormant in winter; growth slows or stops.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings, Seeds
DifficultyEasy from stem cuttings; seed propagation is more challenging.
Best SeasonSpring or early summer for cuttings.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove dead or rotting stems regularly to encourage healthy growth.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years or when pot-bound, preferably in spring.
Pests & DiseasesVulnerable to stem rot if overwatered; occasionally affected by mealybugs and aphids.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.