Introducing the Carrion plant; also known as  Stapelia gigantea, that belongs to the Stapelia genus. Hailing all the way from South Africa, the Stapelia gigantea is known for having the largest flowers of almost any succulent in the world.

The Stapelia gigantea has several other common names, such as carrion flowers, starfish plant, starfish flower, toad plant, and zulu giant plant. The term "carrion" is specifically used to describe the decaying flesh of dead animals. It is derived from the Latin word "caro," meaning flesh. This Stapelia gigantea gets its common name because of its flowers, which emit a strong odor and resemble the smell of rotting meat.  

Stapelia gigantea is a spineless stem succulent that resembles a cactus; can grow up to 2 feet tall and may form big clumps when growing up to 3 feet wide. These thick, fleshy stems are ribbed and have a green coloration, with some variations in shades. 

The Carrion has Huge Flowers 

The flowers of the Stapelia gigantea are large, about 15 inches, and star-shaped; they bloom during the fall.

They have pale yellow to reddish brown hues adorned with intricate patterns and markings. The petals are thick and fleshy, and they curve backward, giving the flowers a star-like appearance.

The carrion flowers smell like rotten flesh; although this sounds disgusting, it helps attract flies and other pollinators to the Stapelia gigantea.

Interestingly, it also looks like drying flesh pealing from the bone and also fringes of soft white hairs on the corolla segments superficially resembling a layer of mold growing on rotting matter.  

The cluster of flowers arises near the base of a branch; on this carrion plant, the inflorescence had two buds with scale-like leaves at the base of the petioles.  

Despite their unusual smell, the flowers of the Stapelia gigantea can be quite beautiful and captivating. They are a testament to the diversity and uniqueness of nature. If you ever come across these flowers, be sure to take a moment to appreciate their intricate beauty, even if the smell might not be to everyone's liking! 

Watering Needs 

Like other succulents, Stapelia gigantea are adapted to survive in arid conditions, so they have a unique way of storing water in their fleshy stems and leaves.

When it comes to watering your Stapelia gigantea carrion plant, it's best to follow the "soak and dry" method. This means that you should thoroughly water your succulent plant until the water drains out from the bottom of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This helps prevent overwatering and ensures that the roots don't sit in excess moisture, which can lead to root rot. 

In the spring and fall, during the active growing season, you can water the carrion flower plant about once every 2-3 weeks. However, depending on the specific conditions in your environment, you should adjust the frequency. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the type of soil mixed can affect the watering needs of the plant.

In the winter during the dormant period, when your Stapelia gigantea plant is not actively growing, you should reduce watering even further. It's best to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and water sparingly, only when it shows signs of thirst, such as wrinkled stems or leaves. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater the carrion plant. If in doubt, it's safer to wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. This will help prevent any potential issues related to overwatering and promote the overall health of your carrion plant. 

Light Requirements

When it comes to growing your Stapelia gigantea indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it can receive bright, filtered sunlight for 4-6 hours a day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as the intense rays can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the carrion plant. If you notice that the stems are stretching or leaning toward the light source, it's a sign that it needs more light. In that case, you can consider supplementing with artificial grow lights to provide the necessary brightness. 

If you decide to grow the Stapelia gigantea outdoors, it works best in partial sun or light shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the morning or late afternoon, but it's best to avoid the scorching midday sun. A location with dappled sunlight or a spot under a tree that provides filtered light can be ideal for the carrion plant. Just make sure it still gets enough brightness to thrive. 

Remember, finding the right balance of light is crucial for the health of the Stapelia gigantea. Too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn and damage the plant, while insufficient light can lead to weak growth and poor blooming. Observing your Stapelia's response to light and making adjustments accordingly will help ensure its well-being. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

When it comes to the soil requirements for your Stapelia gigantea plant, it prefers a well-draining soil mix. You can create a suitable blend by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This mixture allows excess water to drain away efficiently, preventing the roots from sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Remember to choose a pot with drainage holes to further aid in proper drainage.  Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

The Stapelia gigantea carrion plant doesn't require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from light feeding during the growing season. Fertilize once a year during the growing season in the spring with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label.   Dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions and apply it to the soil once a year in the spring. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive growth with fewer blooms.  This provides a slow-release source of nutrients and helps improve the overall soil structure. 

Remember, it's important to monitor your Stapelia gigantea response to fertilization and adjust accordingly. If you notice any signs of nutrient deficiencies or excessive growth, you can make adjustments to the fertilizer regimen. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The Stapelia gigantea is native to warm, tropical regions, so it thrives in indoor environments where temperatures are consistently between 60°F to 80°F. It prefers bright, indirect light, so placing it near a window with filtered sunlight works well. In terms of humidity, this plant can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, but it appreciates a slightly higher humidity level. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or by using a humidifier. 

In regions where the climate is warm and frost-free, you can also grow the Stapelia gigantea outdoors. It is suitable for USDA zones 10 to 12 and needs a cool, dry rest period in winter but keeps above 30°F and avoids any frost. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but it's essential to provide some protection from the intense midday sun, especially in hotter climates. In terms of humidity, the Stapelia gigantea can handle a range of humidity levels, but it appreciates moderate to high humidity.  

Remember to acclimate your Stapelia gigantea gradually when transitioning it from indoor to outdoor or vice versa. Sudden changes in temperature or light can stress your carrion plant. Take care to protect the plant from extreme weather conditions like frost or excessive heat. 

Additionally, Stapelia gigantea propagation by stem cuttings is a common method used by gardeners and plant enthusiasts. With proper care and attention, the stem cuttings will develop roots and grow into new Carrion plants.  

The Bottom Line 

Overall, the Stapelia gigantea (Carrion plant) is unique and captivating, with its large, star-shaped flowers that have distinctive carrion-like scent, hence known as carrion flowers. It is a low-maintenance succulent plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. The Stapelia gigantea is also known for its ability to attract pollinators like flies, making it a great addition to any garden or indoor collection. 

So, if you're looking for a striking and low-maintenance succulent for your rock gardens, the Carrion Plant Stapelia gigantea is definitely worth considering!