Overview
Stapelia grandiflora is a clump forming, trailing, spreading branched cactus succulent in the genus Stapelia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Stapelia grandiflora grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Stapelia grandiflora is a succulent perennial cultivar of the Stapelia genus, known for its upright, angular stems with toothed edges. This clump-forming and spreading plant produces large, star-shaped flowers in summer, which are notable for their strong and often unpleasant aroma. Evergreen in nature, it thrives in full sun with well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH. Best suited to sheltered, south- or east-facing aspects, it is ideal for cultivation in sub-tropical environments, conservatories, or as a houseplant, requiring gritty soil and propagation through seed or stem cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stapelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Stapelia grandiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Clump forming, Trailing, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stapelia grandiflora
- Propagation
- Seed, Removal of rooted sections, Stem section cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Black root rot, Stem and root rots in wet conditions
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stapelia grandiflora?
Stapelia grandiflora prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stapelia grandiflora need?
Stapelia grandiflora grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Stapelia grandiflora hardy in the UK?
Stapelia grandiflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Stapelia grandiflora?
Seed, Removal of rooted sections, Stem section cuttings.
More in the Stapelia genus
- Stapelialeopard cactus
- Stapelia flavopurpurea
- Stapelia grandiflora 'Flavirostris'
- Stapelia hirsuta
- Stapelia x divergens