Stapelia Gigantea – Zulu Giant Starfish Succulent (Carrion Flower)

A spineless cactus-like succulent that produces one of the most dramatic blooms in the plant world — a massive star-shaped flower up to 12" across in deep burgundy and pale yellow, covered in fine hairs. It also smells like rotting meat. On purpose.

The Stapelia Gigantea (Zulu Giant or Carrion Flower) is from the milkweed family, native to Africa. It evolved to attract flies for pollination with its carrion scent — which works brilliantly, fades quickly after blooming, and leaves you with a conversation piece unlike anything else on your shelf. Drought-tolerant, neglect-tolerant, and endlessly fascinating.

What I love about it

The Zulu Giant is the plant that makes guests do a double-take — and then back away slowly when it blooms. The star-shaped flowers are genuinely massive and beautiful — up to 12" across, patterned in deep burgundy and pale yellow with fine hairs that give them an almost furry texture. The carrion scent is brief and purposeful, and what you're left with after blooming is a plant with a story that no one forgets. A true collector's specimen and the ultimate conversation starter.

Plant Care Tips

• ☀️ Light: Bright indirect to full sun — more light = more likely to bloom
• 💧 Water: Drought-tolerant — water sparingly; let soil dry completely between waterings
• 🌸 Blooms: Massive star-shaped flowers up to 12" across in spring/summer; burgundy, hairy, unforgettable
• 🐾 Pet Safety: Keep out of reach — milkweed family plants can be irritating if ingested
• 🪴 Difficulty: Easy — neglect-tolerant and endlessly fascinating

Plant Specs

• Bloom Size: Up to 12" across
• Bloom Color: Deep burgundy and pale yellow with fine hairs
• Family: Milkweed (Apocynaceae) — not a true cactus

Bloom bold. Be cheeky.