Stapelia gigantea - Carrion Plant

Stapelia gigantea — Carrion Plant

You will receive this exact specimen.
Measures 16" wide x 6" tall.
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Roots as shown.
Will be shipped bare root.

🌵

A legendary member of the succulent world, Stapelia gigantea is best known for producing some of the largest and most dramatic flowers of any succulent species.

The upright stems are softly angular and tooth-lined, forming dense clumps of velvety green growth that create an architectural presence even when not in bloom. But the real spectacle arrives when the enormous star-shaped flowers emerge — often reaching nearly dinner-plate size.

Covered in fine hairs and patterned in creamy yellow with deep maroon striping, the blooms are designed by nature to mimic decaying organic matter in both appearance and scent, attracting pollinating flies in the wild. The effect is strange, fascinating, and unforgettable.

Despite its infamous common name, the odor is usually temporary and most noticeable only at close range during peak bloom. For collectors, the flowers are less about shock value and more about witnessing one of the botanical world’s most surreal evolutionary masterpieces.

An iconic collector plant that feels equal parts alien, prehistoric, and oddly beautiful.

🌱 Care Instructions

☀️ Light
Bright light to partial sun. Morning sun or filtered outdoor light is ideal. Protect from intense afternoon heat in very hot climates.

💧 Water
Water thoroughly during active growth, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce significantly during cooler months.

🪨 Soil
Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix with excellent airflow around the roots.

🌡️ Temperature
Prefers warmth and dry conditions. Protect from frost and prolonged cold exposure.

💨 Humidity
Low humidity preferred. Good airflow helps prevent stem issues.

🪴 Growth Habit
Clumping succulent with upright segmented stems that gradually spread outward over time. Mature specimens may produce exceptionally large flowers near the base of the stems.

📝 Special Note
Blooms may emit a temporary carrion-like scent intended to attract pollinators. Flowers are short-lived but spectacular.

✨ Why It Stands Out

• Produces enormous star-shaped flowers unlike almost any other succulent
• Fascinating marbled patterns and soft hair-covered blooms
• One of the most iconic and collectible Stapelia species
• Strange, sculptural, and unforgettable in bloom
• A true conversation piece for succulent collectors