Stapelia gigantea

Zulu Giant, Carrion Plant, Starfish Flower
Family: Apocynaceae (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
USDA Zone: 9-10?

Plant 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!

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Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/stapelia_gigantea.htm

6380 Stapelia gigantea - Starfish Flower

Starfish Flower, Giant Toad Flower, Carrion Flower. This is one of the largest flowers in the plant world! Great container plant, Stapelia gigantea, commonly called carrion flower, is a spine-free succulent member of the milkweed (not cactus!) family that is native to dry desert areas from Tanzania to South Africa. The common name comes from the malodorous flower aroma which resembles the smell of rotting meat. For those willing to look the other way on flower aroma, additional common names include giant toad flower or starfish flower. The focal point of this plant is the fleshy, 5-pointed, star-shaped flowers (to 10-16" across), each being pale ochre-yellow with thin transverse maroon lines. Flowers bloom in fall (flower buds are triggered by shortened daylight hours in fall). Flowers are pollinated by flies which reportedly find the carrion aroma irresistible. Spineless, 4-angled, succulent stems grow upright to 8-12" tall before scrambling sideways with the tips still erect. Plants in the ground may grow to 24" wide. Seed pods resemble milkweed and each individual seed has a milkweed-like parachute. Genus name honors Dutch physician Johannes Bodaeus van Stapel (1602-1636).

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