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Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea)

Stapelia gigantea, the Zulu Giant, is a succulent known for its enormous, star-shaped flowers that emit a carrion-like odor, attracting flies for pollination.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Protect from intense direct sun.

Watering

Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Soil

Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to prevent root rot.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures between 18-25°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter dormancy.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse, Indoor

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter.

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Protect from intense direct sun.

Can tolerate some direct morning sun.

Water

Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Water thoroughly when dry.

Soil

Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to prevent root rot.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures between 18-25°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter dormancy.

Avoid frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse, Indoor

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter.

Monthly in spring and summer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Pot, Ground

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse, Indoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.3-0.6 m

Spread

0.6-1 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Reduced to scales

Flower Size

35-45 cm

Image Gallery

Synonyms
Ceropegia gigantea (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
Gonostemon giganteus (N.E.Br.) P.V.Heath
Stapelia cylista C.A.Lückh.
Stapelia marlothii N.E.Br.
Stapelia nobilis N.E.Br.
Stapelia youngii N.E.Br.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderGentianales
  • familyApocynaceae
  • genusStapelia
  • speciesStapelia gigantea
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

FAQs