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Carrion Flower Variegated - 3" Pot

Carrion Flower Variegated - 3" Pot

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₹399
₹399 - ₹399
₹399
₹299
₹299 - ₹299
₹299

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  • Giant star-shaped blooms
  • Fascinating fly-pollinated novelty
  • Drought-tolerant and easy
  • Pet-safe succulent
  • Propagates effortlessly
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Country of origin: India

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Stapelia gigantea, the Carrion Flower or Giant Starfish Flower, is a clumping succulent grown for its spectacular, enormous star-shaped blooms that can span 25 cm or more. The pale yellow, red-lined, wrinkled and hairy flowers emit a strong carrion odour to attract pollinating flies, making them a fascinating curiosity. Native to southern Africa, the plant itself forms upright, soft, four-angled green stems without true leaves. It is drought-tolerant and easy to grow in bright, warm conditions. Best placed outdoors or on a balcony when in bloom due to the scent, it is a prized conversation piece for succulent collectors.

Specifications

Family Apocynaceae
Native region Southern Africa
Mature height 20-30 cm
Mature spread 30-45 cm, clumping
Growth rate Moderate
Foliage Leafless, soft four-angled green stems
Flower colour Pale yellow with red lines, hairy
Flower season Summer to autumn
Climate zone Arid, subtropical

Care guide

Sunlight Bright light with some direct sun; light shade in peak heat.
Watering Water when soil dries; keep dry in winter.
Soil / mix Gritty, very free-draining cactus mix.
Temperature Thrives 20-35C; protect from frost.
Humidity Low humidity preferred.
Fertilizer Light feed in growing season for blooms.
Pruning Remove shrivelled or rotted stems.
Repotting Every 2-3 years; shallow wide pots suit it.
Propagation Very easy from stem cuttings.
Pests & problems Mealybugs, aphids; stem rot if overwatered.
Toxicity / safety Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Difficulty Easy to moderate

Uses

A novelty flowering succulent for collectors and curiosity gardens, grown for its dramatic giant starfish blooms; best kept outdoors or on balconies when flowering due to the strong scent.

Growing tips

In India grow it in bright light with very gritty soil, water sparingly and keep it dry through winter; the warm months trigger its remarkable blooms, so place flowering plants outside away from living areas.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Stapelia gigantea?
Water when the soil dries out during the warm growing season, then keep it nearly dry through winter. The soft stems rot quickly if kept too wet.
How much light does it need?
Give it bright light with some direct sun, with light shade during the most intense summer heat to prevent scorching of the stems.
Why do the flowers smell so bad?
The carrion-like odour and hairy, meaty-looking petals mimic rotting flesh to attract flies, which pollinate the flowers. The scent fades after a few days.
Is the Carrion Flower toxic to pets?
No, Stapelia gigantea is non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans, though the smell usually keeps pets and people at a distance.
How do I propagate it?
It roots very easily from stem cuttings. Let a cut stem callus for a day or two, then place it on gritty, barely moist succulent mix.
When should I repot it?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, ideally into a wide, shallow pot with very free-draining mix, as it spreads into a clump.
Why are the stems turning yellow or soft?
Yellow, soft or collapsing stems indicate rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected stems and let the soil dry out.
Can it grow indoors?
It can be grown indoors in bright light, but it is best moved outside or to a balcony when flowering because of the strong scent.
When does it bloom?
It typically flowers in the warm months from summer into autumn, producing its large, dramatic star-shaped blooms.
What fertilizer encourages flowering?
Apply a diluted low-nitrogen or balanced cactus fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy blooms; avoid heavy feeding.

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