# Giant Starfish Flower / Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea)

> Native to southeastern Africa, Stapelia gigantea is renowned for its spineless, velvety, four-angled stems and astonishing starfish-shaped blooms that can span up to 40 cm across. Emitting a faint carrion scent to attract dipteran pollinators, this striking succulent features creamy-yellow petals intricately patterned with transverse crimson lines and fringed with soft hairs.

- **Scientific Name:** *Stapelia gigantea*
- **Botanical Family:** Apocynaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** 5°C (USDA Zone 10b - 11)
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Pet-Safe (Non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/stapelia-gigantea
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/stapelia-gigantea.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_stapelia_gigantea.webp?v=1793979030

## Light & Sun Exposure

Bright, indirect light or filtered morning/late afternoon sun. Intense, unfiltered midday summer sun may cause severe epidermal scorching.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Follow a strict soak-and-dry regimen during active growth, allowing the entire root zone to dry out between waterings. Reduce to minimal or no water during winter dormancy to prevent black rot.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% pumice and perlite + 40% cactus compost or coco coir (rapidly draining gritty mineral mix).

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

5°C (USDA Zone 10b - 11)

## Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings. Sever a segment in spring or summer, allow the wound to callous for 3-5 days, then root in dry, gritty substrate.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Dev Leş Çiçeği / Deniz Yıldızı Çiçeği (Stapelia gigantea)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/stapelia-gigantea.md)
- [DE: Riesen-Aaspflanze / Riesen-Ordensstern (Stapelia gigantea)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/stapelia-gigantea.md)
- [ES: Flor de la Estrella Gigante / Flor de Carroña (Stapelia gigantea)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/stapelia-gigantea.md)