Qestions for Stapelia Growers

Even though you don't elaborate which species you actually have, you should consider Stapeliads as being tender succulents that must be brought indoors for the winter.

The should be overwintered in a greenhouse but they are very much susceptible to rot if they are kept too wet during their winter resting season.

Contrary to the popular myth, not all Stapeliads have stinky flowers.

"> I jnow these plants have some pretty stinky flowers but just how bad are

It depends on the species and the size of the plant. I used to frequent a large greenhouse which had a huge specimen of -Stapelia grandiflora- in a hanging basket.

When it was in full bloom, the flowers filled the place with the stench of ripe roadkill. It was awesome.

J. Del Col

After further reflection and a look at some references, I realized that the plant in the greenhouse was actually -Stapelia gigantea-, a real stinker.

J. Del Col

I have since found that out. Every fly for 10 miles is in my yard, and just one flower has opened out of 8 buds. the opened flower seems to have been pollinated so I'm going to let it develope and see what happens. Meanwhile I am seriously thinking of pruning the rest of the buds.

Shell