Stapelia gigantea is native to the seasonally dry tropical biome of southeastern Africa. It can grow surprisingly large flowers on a short stem from the base of the plant. They are not an easy to grow houseplant because watering is tricky. The tips of the branches grow dry or limp if the potting mix is allowed to become too dry, but rot is a problem if kept too moist. This balance is the biggest challenge of care. Warning - the flower is known to have a stinky aroma.

Care should include:

• Direct bright sunlight all year near a south- or west- facing window in order to flower, but the plant can survive in indirect light.

• Warm air in spring and summer, above 65 º. In late fall and winter, allow a slight drop in temperature around 55 to 60º.

• Watering from below is most effective. Use tepid water. During the growing period (spring to early fall) place in a dish with about 3 inches of water and remove as soon as the dampness has reached the surface soil. Then let the top 2 inches of soil entirely dry out before you water again. Take care not to let the roots remain dry for too long or the plant may become limp and not recover. In the late fall and winter, water no more than every two weeks and do not wait until all the soil is damp to remove the pot from the water. This simulates the seasonally dry period of the natural habitat.

• Mist to provide some limited humidity for best flower development.

• Fertilize with a tomato-type (high potassium) or balanced fertilizer each month in spring and summer.

• Plants prefer a tight pot, but when re-potting is necessary, use a succulent soil and one size larger pot with a drainhole.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service