Also known as Carrion Flower · Giant Stapelia · Giant Starfish Flower
Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea) is a striking succulent with enormous, star-shaped flowers that resemble starfish and emit a carrion-like odor to attract pollinators.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sun, but protect from intense afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-draining, sandy, Gritty
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Stapelia gigantea thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, typically every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
Pruning Stapelia gigantea is primarily for aesthetic reasons or to manage size. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems at any time of year. Cuttings can be used for propagation.
Minimal pruning is generally required to maintain the plant's natural form.
Propagate Stapelia gigantea from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Alternatively, propagate from seed, though this is a slower method.
Both methods are best done in spring or early summer.
Repot Stapelia gigantea every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repot in spring, ideally before the growing season begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea)
Where Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Stapelia |
| Species | Stapelia gigantea |
Similar in genus Stapelia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
