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Stapelia grandiflora
Ideally, place in full sun or partial shade.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. In winter, reduce or even suspend watering.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as -1.1 °C for short periods. However, the plant is not frost-resistant.
The flower has a specific scent that attracts pollinating insects.
Stapelia grandiflora originates from South Africa, from the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Free State province. It can also be found under the synonyms Stapelia ambigua and Stapelia flavirostris. It is also known by the common names Carrion Flower, Starfish Flower, and Giant Toad Plant.
The plant has thick, fleshy, grey-green stems with a four-angled shape and a fine hairy surface. Shoots may grow upright or trail along the surface, reaching up to about 30 cm in length and around 4 cm in thickness. With age, the plant forms a large, compact clump.
The flowers have the shape of a striking star with strongly curved lobes and can reach up to about 22 cm in diameter. Their colouring is highly distinctive, with deep purple-red ridges and yellow bands between them, gradually turning into darker tones towards the edges. The surface, especially near the margins, is covered with soft, mostly white hairs. Flowers appear intermittently in late summer and autumn.
Stapelia grandiflora is an easy succulent suitable for a sunny position, for example on a windowsill. Watering should be kept moderate, especially during winter. During the growing season, the plant can be lightly fed with a standard cactus and succulent fertiliser. If you are looking for a Stapelia with truly giant star-shaped flowers, this is one of the most impressive species.