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Stapelia gigantea, Zulu Giant, Carrion Plant, Starfish Flower

Stapelia gigantea

Zulu Giant, Carrion Plant, Starfish Flower
Family: Apocynaceae    (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
USDA Zone: 9-10?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunModerate waterUnusual colorPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Stapelia gigantea (Zulu Giant) is a small shrub, making it an ideal addition to an outdoor garden or rock garden. It has an unusual color that is sure to catch the eye of anyone who passes by. This plant is also a great option for plant enthusiasts looking for an easy to care for succulent that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to their garden.

Stapelia gigantea is best grown in full sun and moderate water. It is hardy to USDA Zone 9-10 and does especially well in dry, hot climates. In cold regions, however, it should preferably be kept in a pot and brought indoors during the winter.

In terms of care, Stapelia gigantea is relatively easy to manage compared to other succulents. As a drought tolerant plant, it prefers to be in soil that is well-draining with moderate watering. It should be watered occasionally and allowed to dry out in-between watering. Pruning may be necessary to keep its shape if it begins to grow beyond its designated area. For best performance, feed it a balanced fertilizer during the blooming and growth season.

Stapelia gigantea is an ideal option for those looking for an easy to maintain plant with unique characteristics. The star-shaped and ochre-yellow flowers make for an interesting addition to any garden and the plant's ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is an added bonus. So, don't wait any longer - put this Zulu Giant in your garden today!

See video: Bizzare starfish flower - Stapelia gigantea.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/stapelia_gigantea.htm

Stapelia gigantea - Starfish Flower

Starfish Flower, Giant Toad Flower, Carrion Flower. This spine-free succulent, Stapelia gigantea, is one of the plant world's giants and belongs to the milkweed family. It thrives in dry desert areas from Tanzania to South Africa. Its name "Carrion" comes from its unique scent that's similar to rotting meat, attracting pollinating flies who find the aroma irresistible. The standout feature of this plant is its large, fleshy star-shaped flowers, flaunting pale ochre-yellow petals with thin maroon lines. It blooms in the fall when daylight hours shorten. Despite its unusual smell, it makes for a stunning container plant with its 4-angled, succulent stems that grow upright to 8-12" before sprawling sideways. Plants in the ground can reach up to 24" wide. When it seeds, each pod looks like a mini milkweed parachute. Let's also appreciate its interesting background - the genus name honors Dutch physician Johannes Bodaeus van Stapel from the 1600s.
See video: Bizzare starfish flower - Stapelia gigantea.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
In stock
$29.95