Carrion Flower

Stapelia grandiflora

Traits

Pollinator Friendly Zone 9a Hardy

Varieties We Bring In

StandardStapelia grandiflora

Carrion Flower1 varieties

These are the varieties we bring in through the season. Not every one is on the lot at a given time.

Please call (904) 471-0440 to confirm the variety and size you want before you make the trip.

Variety	Sizes & Pricing
Standard Stapelia grandiflora	Starting at$6.95 4 in$6.951 gal$12.95

Sizes & Pricing

4 inFrom$6.95

1 galFrom$12.95

Last received Mar 11, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightFull Sun to Part Shade (bright indirect light preferred; avoid intense afternoon sun)

WaterLow

Mature size3-12 inches × 1-3 feet

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About Carrion Flower

Carrion flower (Stapelia grandiflora) is a South African succulent forming compact clumps of four-angled, velvety pale green stems that substitute for leaves in photosynthesis. In NE Florida zone 9b it can be grown outdoors year-round with excellent drainage, producing spectacular 6–8 inch starfish-shaped flowers in reddish-brown to purple from summer into fall. The blooms mimic rotting flesh to attract fly pollinators — a striking conversation piece for the rock or succulent garden. Starting at $6.95.

Plant details

Bloom Season: Summer, Fall
Flower Color: Purple
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Foliage: Evergreen (leafless succulent — photosynthetic stems)
Soil: Sandy, Well-drained (cactus/succulent mix; requires excellent drainage)

Care essentials

Light

Prefers bright light with some direct morning sun; avoid intense afternoon sun in NE Florida, which can scorch the pale stems. A spot with bright filtered light or morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. In containers, can be moved seasonally.

Water

Water sparingly — allow soil to dry completely between waterings. In NE Florida's humid summers, err toward dry rather than wet to prevent root and stem rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Use containers or raised beds with exceptional drainage to offset Florida's heavy summer rains.

Soil & Fertilizer

Requires sharply draining cactus and succulent mix; incorporate coarse sand or perlite into NE Florida's native sandy soils for in-ground planting. Feed lightly with a low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer once in spring and once in early summer. Avoid overly rich soil.