Carrion Flower

stapelia grandiflora

Also known as: ["Starfish Flower","Zulu Giant"]

Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Stapelia Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent plant known for its large, star-shaped, foul-smelling flowers that attract pollinators like flies.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Stapelia
Botanical Name: Stapelia grandiflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, airy location or outdoor rock garden in mild climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if indoors; move outdoors in spring/summer but shield from intense midday sun.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or stem rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid placing near west-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 10–14 days during active growth, reduce to monthly in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; reduce watering in winter.

Soil

fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid waterlogged soil; use a mix with inorganic components for better aeration

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes prolonged cold or heat.

Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer, none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before winter dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy stem cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a few days.
  3. Plant in moist propagation medium.
  4. Keep lightly moist until roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing

Environment

Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand

Hormone

Optional, but can help speed up rooting

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months

Tools Needed

Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a humidity dome to maintain moisture; avoid overwatering new cuttings.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim stems just above a node or junction; remove any leggy or weak growth

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged stems, and encourage bushier growth

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; dispose of cuttings properly; avoid over-pruning

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 cm increase in diameter)

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for refreshing soil and providing space for growth

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; avoid overwatering after repotting

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation. Allow excess water to drain freely; avoid wetting the leaves or crown. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to deliver water directly to the soil without disturbing the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter to mimic dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy clay soils

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot due to reduced water uptake and increased soil moisture retention.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; insulate pots with bubble wrap if necessary.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf burn, and flower drop due to increased transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but still allow soil to dry between waterings.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Stapelia grandiflora may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or root rot, often resulting from poor drainage or fungal infections.

Wilting in Stapelia grandiflora can be caused by water stress, either from excessive drying or overwatering leading to root damage, affecting the plant's ability to transport water.

Leaf spots on Stapelia grandiflora are not commonly reported, as the plant's succulent nature may provide some resistance, but fungal or bacterial infections could occur under humid conditions.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Stapelia grandiflora is commonly associated with overwatering or poor soil drainage, leading to tissue decay and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest parts of Stapelia grandiflora. The roots and stems are the most toxic components, but the plant poses a low risk to felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is observed or suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Stapelia grandiflora can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The roots and stems are the most toxic parts, but the plant is not considered highly dangerous to canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor dogs closely if ingestion is suspected. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Stapelia grandiflora contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's roots and stems are the primary toxic parts, though the effects are generally not severe.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of roots and stems. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Stapelia grandiflora smell bad?

A: The plant emits a foul odor to mimic rotting flesh, attracting flies that pollinate its flowers.

Q: How often should I water Stapelia grandiflora?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during dormancy.

Q: Can Stapelia grandiflora be grown indoors?

A: Yes, but it requires bright light and good air circulation to thrive indoors.

Quick Reference
Family: Apocynaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 10–14 days during acti
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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