Photo of Stapelia gigantea form by Dry Oasis Plants

Photo by Dry Oasis Plants

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Stapelia gigantea

Also Known As

  • Stapelia nobilis
  • Giant Toad Plant
  • Starfish Cactus
  • Zulu Giant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 10b-12

More Options

Stapelia gigantea plant details

Stapelia gigantea is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In summer cream, purple, tan and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Stapelia gigantea

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: cream, purple, tan and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, fragrant, houseplant, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Stapelia gigantea

USDA Zones: 10b - 12
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Stapelia gigantea has many names: Zulu Giant, Carrion Flower, or the very apt Star Fish Flower. Check out the amazing blooms that come from this succulent wonder! This spike and spine free succulent species feature columns of ribbed and intricately barbed growth that puts out amazingly large, hand-sized blooms (or larger). The huge, solitary, fuzzy star flowers of pale yellow have concentric, thin brown bands. It is such a showstopper, but is known to have a slightly offputting smell. Forms large, upright clumps of succulent foliage. Add Zulu Giant to your collection! Provide a well-drained soil away from reflected heat. Requires little water once established. Ideal in warm climate landscapes, rock gardens and container gardens, but is especially happy sitting on your bright windowsill as a houseplant. Makes an excellent hanging basket plant for its drooping blooms (See Picture). Protect this guy from frost!
This is a great stapeliad that forms enormous, hairy, starfish shaped flowers with yellow petals and sporadic red cross banding. Flower buds swell into a big balloon before peeling open, and can be up to 10" across. Great for hanging baskets or ground cover. Truly a unique plant. Commonly referred to as the "carrion plant" since the flowers, which are pollinated by flies, have a very distinct odor.
This entertaining African species has green stems that are fat, succulent and sharply angled. The starfish-shaped flower is a subdued yellow covered by miniature purple hairs. Its enormous size of nine inches across sends off tips that terminate in slender elegance. This African Starfish Flower can be grown in full or partial sun and is outstanding on a windowsill or in a hanging basket. Periods of dryness are tolerated well for this reliable bloomer.
Also known as starfish flower, zulu giant, giant toad plant, a succulent with 4-5" fat fleshy x-shaped stems. Produces unusual foul smelling 4-5" star shaped fleshy flowers. Pinkish with dark markings.
Succulent stems produce huge 10" creamy yellow blooms with burgundy variegation in summer, and the 'aroma' is unforgettable. An unusual and easily grown species.

Gardening facts about Stapelia gigantea plant

How to Grow Stapelia gigantea

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • yellow
    • purple
    • tan
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved