Stapelia gigantea

Zulu giant, Carrion Flower

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated: March 29, 2022

This succulent is known for having one of the largest flowers in the plant kingdom. Don’t let the look of the large yellowish flower fool you — the smell of rotting meat gives this succulent its other common name, “Carrion Flower.” The tall green stems of this succulent are similar to a cactus, although it is actually in the milkweed family.

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Quick Look:

Full sun to partial shade
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 36″ (91 cm) wide
Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by stem cuttings and leaves
Can be toxic to humans and animals
Actively grows in Spring and Fall

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Stapelia gigantea “Zulu Giant”

Stapelia gigantea “Zulu Giant” has large beautiful flowers, but smell like rotting meat. The plant itself adds excellent ground cover to outdoor gardens, and also does well in pots.

Watering

Stapelia gigantea “Zulu Giant” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

“Zulu Giant” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Stapelia gigantea “Zulu Giant”

Stapelia gigantea “Zulu Giant” can be propagated from stem cuttings.

Cuttings

To grow “Zulu Giant” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.