Stapelia leendertziae
A succulent, evergreen perennial to 30cm tall, forming a clump of upright to curving, 4-angled stems. In late summer, dark maroon, inflated flower buds are formed; these open into bell-shaped blooms 8cm across, emitting a foul smell to attract pollinating flies
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Stapelia are succulent perennials with erect, angled, toothed fleshy stems and showy, star-shaped flowers usually unpleasantly scented, in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa, Eswatini
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in a mix of equal parts of loam-based potting compost and grit; top dress with grit. Provide full light with shade from hot sun, and low humidity. When in growth, water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water very sparingly at all other times
Propagation
Propagate by seed, removal of rooted sections, or stem section cuttings (laid on their side to root)
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to stem and root rots in wet conditions
Get involved
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