Stapeliads
Stapeliads – The Carrion flower
Description:
Stapeliads are a fascinating group of succulent plants belonging to the Apocynaceae family, encompassing well-known genera such as Stapelia, Huernia, Orbea, Piaranthus, Larryleachia, Caralluma, Duvalia, and many others. Native primarily to Africa, these remarkable plants are best known for their extraordinary flowers, often referred to as Carrion Flowers due to their ability to mimic the appearance and scent of decaying organic matter.
Their flowers come in an incredible range of shapes, sizes, colours, and patterns, from star-shaped blooms covered in fine hairs to intricate geometric designs resembling exotic sea creatures. These unusual adaptations attract flies, which act as their natural pollinators. While some species produce a noticeable scent, many cultivated varieties have only a mild fragrance or none at all.
The plants themselves consist of fleshy, angular stems that store water and form attractive clumps over time. Their compact growth, fascinating flowers, and ease of cultivation have made Stapeliads a favourite among succulent collectors worldwide.
General Care:
- Light: Prefers bright light to partial sun. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal in hot climates.
- Water: Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering during cooler months.
- Soil: Requires a very well-draining succulent mix with added grit, pumice, or coarse sand.
- Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions and should be protected from frost. Ideal range is 10–35°C.
- Feeding: Feed lightly during the active growing season with a balanced succulent fertilizer.
- Maintenance: Easy to grow and quick to form clumps. Ensure good airflow around plants and avoid prolonged wet conditions.
Stapeliads are among the most unusual and rewarding succulents in cultivation, offering an endless variety of bizarre and beautiful flowers that continue to fascinate collectors, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts alike.
Strange flowers. Extraordinary beauty. Nature’s most fascinating imitators.
Below are some species we are familiar with…
