Stapelia, plants that give off a bad smell

Stapelia grandiflora

Stapelia grandiflora

In general, the flowers of the succulents or non-cacti do not give off any aroma, but that is not the case of those that belong to the genus Stapelia. As at the moment it is impossible to send you the smell so that you can perceive it (and in fact, even if it could, it would not), I will tell you that one of its common names is carrion flower.

They are very beautiful, as you can see in the images, but of course, they are not succulents suitable to have anywhere. 

Specifications:

Young specimen of Stapelia grandiflora

Stapelia is the name of a genus of succulent plants belonging to the botanical family Apocynaceae, subfamily Apocynoideae, tribe Ceropegieae and subtribe Stapeliinae. It is native to southern Africa and was described by Carlos Linnaeus, who published it in the book Species Plantarum in 1753.

It is a plant with erect succulent stems that sprout from almost level with the ground. These are thin, between 2 and 3cm thick and between 20 and 40cm in height depending on the species. The flowers are simple, hairy and consist of five petals. They usually sprout in summer, and give off a very unpleasant smell, similar to that of rotting meat.

The three best known species are:

Stapelia gigantea

Stapelia gigantea

It is the largest of the genre. It produces stems of more than 20cm and flowers that are 10 to 40cm wide.

Stapelia grandiflora

Detail of the flower of Stapelia grandiflora

It produces 1-2cm thick stems, erect, and flowers that can measure 7-10cm.

Stapelia hirsuta

Stapelia hirsuta

It produces stems of about 20 centimeters and flowers of 2-3cm.

Care

If we talk about its cultivation or care, we have to know that must be protected from direct sun, especially in summer, and from frost. For the rest, with a bi-annual transplant and infrequent waterings, we can have a very well cared for plant.

But if we want to have it perfect, I advise to pay it from spring to late summer with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents following the instructions specified on the package, or by adding a small spoonful of Blue Nitrofoska every week.

Enjoy it. 