About
This succulent, evergreen perennial to 30cm tall, forming a clump of upright to curving, 4-angled stems. In late summer, dark maroon, inflated flower buds are formed; these open into bell-shaped blooms 8cm across, emitting a foul smell to attract pollinating flies.
About the genus
Stapelia are succulent perennials with erect, angled, toothed fleshy stems and showy, star-shaped flowers usually unpleasantly scented, in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Cactus Succulent
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
Native toSouth Africa, Eswatini
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in a mix of equal parts of peat-free, loam-based potting compost and grit; top dress with grit. Provide full light with shade from hot sun, and low humidity. When in growth, water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water very sparingly at all other times
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, removal of rooted sections, or stem section cuttings (laid on their side to root)
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and root rots in wet conditions