Zulu Giant
Latin Name: Stapelia gigantea
Price range: $24.95 through $49.95
- Pot Size: 4 Inch, Hanging Basket (Local Pickup Only)
Stapelia gigantea, also known as Zulu Giant, Starfish Flower, or Carrion Flower, is a low-growing succulent prized for its thick, angular green stems and sprawling, clumping habit. What truly makes it unforgettable are the enormous star-shaped flowers, often more than a foot across, with pale yellow to cream petals streaked in maroon and fringed with delicate hairs along the edges. The blooms emit a strong, distinctive odor reminiscent of rotting meat, a clever evolutionary trick that attracts flies, their primary pollinators, making the display both fascinating and unconventional. Exceptionally heat-tolerant and drought-adapted once established, this succulent thrives in bright indirect light with well-draining soil. In containers, rock gardens, or dry landscapes, it spreads with bold, sculptural form, offering an exotic focal point that is one of the most unusual displays in the succulent world. Stapelia gigantea is not a plant for everyone, but for those who appreciate the strange and extraordinary side of botany, it is an unforgettable addition.
Plant Details
Quick Information
- Latin Name: Stapelia gigantea
- Plant Family: Apocynaceae
- Common Names: Zulu giant, starfish flower, carrion flower, giant toad flower
- Origin/Native Range: Southern tropical and southern Africa
- Height and Width: Typically about 6 to 12 inches tall; forms broad clumps and may spread 1 to 2 feet or more over time
- Exposure Requirements: Bright indirect light
- Irrigation Requirements: Low, once established
- Average Elevations: 1,000'-3,600'
- Cold Hardiness: Best in frost-free or very mild winter climates; commonly listed for USDA Zones 9 to 10
- Bloom Time: Warm season, often late summer into fall
- Bloom Color: Yellow with maroon striping
General Information
Native to the seasonally dry regions of southern Africa, Stapelia gigantea thrives in habitats with well-draining soils and seasonal moisture. Prized for its four-angled stems that are smooth, spineless, and cactus-like in appearance, and its exceptionally large flowers. In cultivation, it prefers bright, indirect or dappled light, such as beneath a nurse tree or among companion plants, where it avoids harsh midday sun while still receiving enough brightness to flower abundantly.
Clumps spread gradually, forming trailing, groundcover-like mats that can help stabilize soil in rocky or sandy sites, and works beautifully as a collector specimen, patio container subject, or structural accent in arid plantings. The flowers are famous for their carrion scent, which attracts the flies that serve as the plant’s primary pollinators.
Once established, this succulent requires minimal water and is remarkably resilient, rebounding quickly from dry periods or pruning. Protect from frost in exposed locations or colder climates. Few succulents offer the same combination of strange beauty and strong architectural character. When in flower, it becomes an immediate focal point and adds memorable seasonal interest to dry gardens and specialty collections.
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General Planting & Cultivation Information
Even drought-tolerant plants require regular watering until they are well established, good drainage is essential. If planting in containers, avoid pots without drainage holes.
Irrigate by watering deeply and then allowing the top several inches of soil to dry between waterings. This encourages the plant to send roots deep into the earth in search of moisture, helping it to become established, prevent root rot, build drought tolerance, and resilience to wind, heat, and cold.
The length of time between waterings will vary depending on your growing conditions and environment. Use a moisture meter for precise irrigation.
When planting, set the plant at the same depth as it was in its current container. For trees, ensure the top of the root flare is at soil level.
Young plants are vulnerable to harsh conditions, so consider growing them in larger containers until mature.
When planting in the ground, research the optimal planting season for your climate zone and protect young plants from frost.
To support establishment, consider creating a microclimate with nurse plants, shade, or wind protection. This can reduce stress, conserve soil moisture, and increase long-term success.
Protect the small, immature plants from rabbits and deer.
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