Species Zulu giant

Zulu giant

Stapelia gigantea

Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea) is a succulent cactus plant found in South Africa and Namibia. With its bright purple and yellow star-shaped flowers and woolly texture, this plant is a delightful addition to a cactus garden. It blooms in summer and is easy to care for, requiring little water and minimal maintenance. Growing up to 2 feet tall, Zulu Giant is sure to attract attention and make an attractive addition to any home landscape. Its flowers have an unpleasant smell, similar to rotting meat, but they can attract carrion flies to the garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 10

Flowers:

Pale ochre-yellow with maroon lines Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Zulu giants sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. The best time to water is in the morning, when temperatures are still cool. Make sure to water thoroughly, until the water starts to drain freely from the bottom of the pot. Once the water has drained, wait a few days before watering again. During the growing season (summer), you may need to water your Zulu giant more often, but be careful not to over-water.

sunlight

Zulu giant (Stapelia gigantea) plants will need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. Ideally, the sun should be in the sky for at least 3–4 hours during the summer months and 2–3 hours during the winter months. The plant should be kept in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day and should be moved away from direct sunlight or hot, south-facing windows in the summer months when direct sunlight is too strong. In addition, the Zulu giant should be rotated regularly so that all sides of the plant receive equal amounts of sunlight.

pruning

Zulu giant is a succulent that is best pruned in late spring or early summer. Pruning should only be done when the plant is actively growing. Pruning should be done only back to healthy tissue, removing any dead or diseased stems that have not recovered. Avoid pruning too much as this will reduce the number of branches and flowers that Zulu giant produces. Prune to a healthy bud or branch, cutting at a 45-degree angle just above the desired branch or bud. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth. If leaf detritus is present, simply remove it from the base of the plant. Pruning back too far may cause irreparable damage and result in the plant not flowering at all. Prune Zulu giant sparingly to maintain desired shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Stapelia gigantea typically begins flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Stapelia gigantea typically begins flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map