STAPELIA

Latin Name: Stapelia gigantea

Description: Recognized for their strong, pungent smell and their massive 5-petal flowers, the stapelia, sometimes called the 'Starfish Cactus' is a very unique specimen to add to your collection! Actually a succulent, they have soft, spineless growth that elongates from a central growth point. The flowers can be red, beige, or brown, and are covered in small hairs, producing a deeply unpleasant odor of dead organic matter which is intended to attract flies for pollination. 

Watering: Allow the plant to dry between watering. Water very little during winter months, only when the plant displays signs of shriveling. This plant prefers to be rootbound.

Growth Rate: Moderate
Shape:  Trailing, Mounding
Sun or Shade: Full, bright indirect sunlight
Difficulty level: Moderate