Stapelia gigantea 'Zulu Giant'

Picture via Reddit

Basic Info

Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ is best known for its unique look. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 35 cm (14″). The plant is best known for green to bright green looking stems that grow slowly. As the plant finally flowers it will produce a large flower that opens.

Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: Stapelia

Care and Propagation Information

Watering

Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your succulent healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.

General Care for Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ 

This succulent type is not so hard to grow.  It can be used to cover the ground of outdoor gardens. It is famous for its beautiful large flower. However, this flower has a smell like rotten meat. 

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Quick Facts:

  • Prefers full sun
  • Can be grown indoors
  • Grows 35 cm (14″) tall
  • Grows up to 90 cm (36″) wide
  • Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
  • Does not handle cold well
  • Prefers Zone 9a -6.7 °C (20 F)
  • Best propagated by stem cuttings and leaves
  • Can be harmful to people or animals
  • Grows best during Spring and Fall

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Where to Plant

Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It can also grow indoors in a container.

This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a which is around -6.7 °C (20 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant your succulent in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.

How to Propagate Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ 

This succulent can be propagated by leaves or stem cuttings. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.

Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.

How to Propagate Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ By Leaves

When propagating it with leaves, (Learn How to Propagate Succulents in detail here.) you should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will work. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.

How to Propagate Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’ By Stem Cuttings

When propagating it from stem cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant carefully with a clean knife or scissors. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.

Origin and Habitat

Stapelia gigantea ‘Zulu Giant’  is native to Sout Eastern Africa.