Stapelia gigantea

Common Names

Carrion Flower, Zulu Giant, Carrion Plant, Toad Plant, Starfish Flower, Giant Toad Plant

Summary

Originating in southern Africa and Zambia, this spineless, four-angled stem succulent forms clumps up to about 1 m wide and grows about 8–30 cm tall. It bears some of the largest flowers among succulents: star-shaped blooms up to 20–40 cm across, pale yellow to biscuit with maroon lines, fringed with white hairs and a deep central disk. Leaves are absent; stems store water, and a strong carrion odor attracts carrion flies for pollination, giving the plant its notorious scent.

Cultivation prefers full sun to light shade in gritty, well-drained soil; water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings, with a cool, dry rest in winter. Hardiness corresponds to USDA zones 9a–11b; outdoors in frost-free areas, or in containers moved indoors in cooler climates. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings. In gardens it can serve as ground cover in xeric/rock gardens, as a focal plant, or in containers and hanging baskets, and pests such as mealybugs and scale may occur.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-12 inches

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, gritty, sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.5–7.5, Slightly alkaline

Bloom Color

Cream/Off-White with crimson to brown lines and a deep red central disk

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green; may turn reddish-purple in direct sunlight

Growth Rate

Rapid growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts carrion flies and bluebottles