Stapelia
A common nickname for Stapelia is carrion flower, with “carrion” meaning “carcass.” Stapelia flowers smell like rotting flesh to attract flies for pollination.
This strange trait seems to repulse some gardeners while eliciting curiosity from others.
Whichever side they are on, they’re sure to agree on one thing- Stapelias are one of the easiest houseplants to grow (given sufficient sunlight) due to its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and small and manageable size.
Botanical name: Genus is Stapelia. The variety we carry is Stapelia gigantea.
Other names: African starfish, carrion flower, starfish flower, starflower
Stapelia for sale at our nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Stapelia Appearance
Stapelia is a genus of more than 40 plants from southern Africa.
Small succulent. The overall size ranges from 2 inches to 1.5 feet in height and 1 to 3 feet in width. Stapelia gigantea, in particular, grows to about a foot tall.
Consists of many stems that branch out and grow vertically.
Evergreen. Depending on plant variety and intensity of sun, may have blue, gray, red, brown, or purple colorings.
Star-shaped flowers with short hairs when in bloom. It has a very distinct and otherworldly appearance with various textures and color patterns. Colors can be pink, purple, red, white, or yellow. Stapelia gigantea’s large flowers are very showy.
Followed by fruits with seeds.
Stapelia Landscaping Tips
Stapelias are popular houseplants. They are very easy to grow indoors, given a bright, sunny window and temperature conditions that are comfortable for people. They also stay small and do not require lots of repotting.
Stapelias can be challenging to grow outdoors in our desert region. For optimal health, we recommend keeping it in a container so that you can easily alter its temperature and/or light settings. In the summertime in the Coachella Valley, keep it in partial or full shade. In the winter, either move it indoors or in a greenhouse when the temperatures get to the 40s or below. The optimal temperatures for Stapelias are in the high 60s to 90s Fahrenheit.
Attracts birds and lizards to the garden.
Handle with gloves since it has a milky sap that can irritate the skin.
The flowers' scent is stronger outdoors during warm temperatures. They may not have a strong odor if grown indoors in a cooler climate.
Stapelia gigantea in detail
Stapelia Origin
Stapelia is native to warm and dry regions in southern Africa
Stapelia Care
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil formulated for cacti and succulents.
Temperature: It can withstand temperatures down to 35 degrees for a short period of time.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
Sun: Partial sun
5 gallon Stapelia giganteas
Stapelia Problems
Pests: Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially at the bottom of the plant)
Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin
Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color, discoloring
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring
Stapelia Propagation
Once the Stapelia blooms and fruits, collect seeds. Otherwise, obtain a cutting with a sharp blade, allow it to callus, and then plant in soil.
FAQ
How much does a stapelia cost?
At our nursery, Stapelias costs $35 for a 5-gallon container.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
How do you get Stapelia to bloom?
During the growing season, provide the Stapelia with just a little fertilizer formulated for succulents, carefully following the instructions on the label. Provide optimal growing conditions, following our care recommendations on our website.
Can I grow a stapelia outdoors?
Yes, as long as it is placed near a bright, sunny window.
Do Stapelias smell bad?
Most Stapelias have flowers that smell like rotting meat to attract flies, their main pollinators. However, some Stapelias have a very mild scent that is hard to detect. Additionally, there are some Stapelia varieties with pleasant aromas, such as Stapelia erectiflora.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | Small, depends on variety |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Depends on variety |
| FLOWER SEASON | Fall |
| EXPOSURE | Partial Sun |
| WATER | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Slow |
| HARDINESS | 35º F, USDA Zone 10 |
| PRUNING | None |