Stapelia gettleffii grows in nature under trees and can spread horizontally up to 3.3 feet 1 m in diameter. The flowers are exceptionally large, up to 6 inches 15 cm in diameter, burgundy red and very hairy. It is a succulent plant and thrives in well-drained soil with water only when the soil feels dry up to the first knuckle of your index finger. Provide partial sun or filtered light. Since it is a carrion plant, when blooming it smells like rotting meat or a dead animal to attract flies for pollination.
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Subfamily: Asclepiadaceae
- Genus: Stapelia
- Tribe: Stapeliae
- Scientific name: Stapelia gettleffii R.Pott
- Common names: Carrion plant
Hardiness:
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to grow and Care
Stapelias are subjects of interest rather than beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of succulents. Some large-flowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the garden. In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and the small-flowered species are suitable as container plants.
They are excellent subjects for a water-wise garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when planted in full sunlight. When in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the odour. For the eco-friendly gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and reptiles such as lizards to the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of South Africa. They like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in hot climates. The soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Most species do best in a well-drained sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil...– See more at: HOW TO GROW AND CARE STAPELIA
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Back to genus: STAPELIA
SUCCULENT PLANTS: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to grow and Care
Stapelias are subjects of interest rather than beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of succulents. Some large-flowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the garden. In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and the small-flowered species are suitable as container plants.
They are excellent subjects for a water-wise garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when planted in full sunlight. When in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the odour. For the eco-friendly gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and reptiles such as lizards to the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of South Africa. They like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in hot climates. The soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Most species do best in a well-drained sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil...– See more at: HOW TO GROW AND CARE STAPELIA
Links
Back to genus: STAPELIA
SUCCULENT PLANTS: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
