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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) to full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours). Place within 30 cm (1 foot) of a bright south-facing window for best results indoors. Does not tolerate low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) - inadequate light is the most common reason these plants fail to bloom.Light
Water moderately during the growing season (spring through fall), allowing soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering frequency by roughly half - the plant is dormant and sitting in wet soil at that point causes rot. Water sitting in the crown of stems is a particular problem.Water
Tolerates average to low household humidity. No special humidity requirements. Excess moisture in the air can contribute to stem rot, so good air circulation is more important than humidity levels.Humidity
Thrives at 20-30°C (68-86°F). Can tolerate cooler winters with daytime temperatures of 18-21°C (65-70°F) and nights around 7°C (45°F). Not frost-tolerant; grow outdoors only in USDA zones 9a-11b.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Stapelia nobilis plant

Carrion Flower

Stapelia nobilis

Easy

Stapelia nobilis is a leafless, velvety-stemmed succulent that produces large, star-shaped flowers in summer — which smell unmistakably of rotting meat, a feature that is either a selling point or a dealbreaker depending on who you ask. Your plant grows in clumping, angular green stems to about 8 inches tall and spends most of the year looking quietly architectural, then pulls out something spectacular (and pungent) when it blooms. The smell is nature's pollination strategy, not a design flaw.

Care Guide

How to grow Carrion Flower

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Water moderately during the growing

Humidity

Tolerates average to low household humidity.

Temperature

20-30°C

Soil

Gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.

Propagation

Stem cuttings taken in spring or summer.

Common Problems

Root and stem rot from

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The carrion smell is not random — it is an extremely precise evolutionary mimicry. Blowflies (Calliphoridae) and flesh flies, convinced they have found rotting meat, visit the flower to feed and lay eggs. The flower's complex structure traps the fly's legs or mouthparts just long enough to attach pollen packets before releasing it, effectively hijacking the insect as an unwitting delivery service.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Mildly toxic - the sap can cause skin irritation and should be handled with gloves. Some sources note that Stapelia gigantea (a close relative) is listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic if ingested. Keep away from children and pets as a precaution.

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