By Melinda Heigel, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County
Each week, our blog team brings you practical research-based articles about a host of topics, but sometimes we try to share the wacky, unusual, and unexpected joys in gardening. Enter the black bells carrion flower (Stapelia leendertziae), also commonly referred to as the carrion cactus, mooncup starfish, and starfish cactus).
(Left to right) Hard to believe that this humble-looking plant produces such a show-stopping bloom. This amazing flower is neither AI generated nor from the famous musical Little Shop of Horrors. Mine typically blooms late in the season (here it is in September 2025). Note its velvety inside and lush color. The flower smells faintly like rotten meat (yes, you read that right); it’s no surprise that flies provide its pollination services. (Image credit: Melinda Heigel)
I first encountered one of these plants years ago at a vendor booth at a garden conference and bought it at the urging of another plant nerd who said it had one of the coolest flowers they’d ever seen. It was pretty unassuming, and I wondered, “What’s all the fuss about?” But when it bloomed? WOWZA!
Black Bell Characteristics
Calling this plant a cactus is misleading; it’s technically a succulent.1 Native to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini, this is a spineless, clump-forming fleshy plant. Its stems are spiky in appearance but slightly squared off and soft to the touch. This succulent isn’t hardy in our 8a USDA Hardiness Zone. If you plan to grow it outside, it’s best suited for Zones 10-11 where frost is not an issue. It’s very drought tolerant and prefers sandy soil. That’s hard to find in Central NC, so I recommend planting it in a container. It needs a growing medium made for cacti and succulents that is loose, chunky, and promotes fast drainage. You can easily find commercial mixes or mix your own.
This fairly petite specimen is a perennial coming in at roughly at 3-6″ tall and wide. You can grow this inside all year round or as an outdoor plant in the summer and as a “housemate” during cold months. While bright light is essential, carrion flowers can get too much direct sun. That can transform medium-to-light green stems to blotchy bronze and red. Think of it as a sunburn for its protection. I found some bright light in the morning and a little afternoon shade is best during its outdoor summer season.
(Left to right) I kept my plant outside during this harsh summer of 2026, but it started to show signs of stress. When it got too much hot afternoon sun, it turned a sickly-green and bronze. When I moved it to a location with some afternoon shade, it slowly started to improve. (Image credit: Melinda Heigel)
The Brilliant Flower of Black Bells
One of the more unusual things about this flower is its scent: a faint smell of rotting meat. According to Temple University research, this fragrance is comprised of 31 scent compounds that mostly contain sulphur. Two other of the compounds are close to those of decaying rats. (Did I mention my dog loves to walk by this plant?) This scent entices flys for pollination (fly pollination is called myophily). Another similar plant you’ve likely heard of is the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanium)–a very large specimen with a legendary putrid perfume.
So why is this known as the black bell carrion flower? Take a look at the evolution of the flower as it opens and it will become apparent.
From bud, to bell shaped, to 5 ” wide “starfish-like” when fully opened, enjoy the journey as the flower emerges. Once it opens, the bloom fades quickly, often in just a matter of days. (Bottom right) These stunners are a study in texture: smooth and glossy on the outside and inside covered in tiny hairs (indicated by arrows). Some say this provides an excellent mimic for a dead animal as flies can lay eggs deep inside plant. The wrinkled surface only adds to its intrigue. (Image credit: Melinda Heigel)
I’ve read that this flower can bloom in the spring and then again in the late summer with one to two flowers per plant. I’ve had young plants that take up to three years to bloom while others bloom quicker. I’ve never enjoyed a spring flower, though. When they do bloom, my plants’ flowers arrive in late September to early October. That timing is just right: they are so fun to watch develop when a lot of traditional summer flowers begin to fade.
Black Bells Care
This is a pretty maintenance-free plant if planted in the appropriate soil mentioned above. It prefers to dry out in between waterings during the warmer months when it is actively growing. Too much water leads to root rot. Trust me, I know about that. Many growers recommend these plants should remain dry while overwintering in the house. I water mine lightly only and rarely indoors beginning in April or May when they are approaching an active growing season again. When it is time for it’s seasonal vacation outdoors, I introduce it to the elements slowly as not to overstress the plant.
It’s easy to propagate by cuttings or division. Scale, mealy bugs and mites are listed as potential problems for the plant, though luckily I haven’t experienced any such pests.
There are several other Stapelia species that produce chic, unique flowers, so I would encourage you to do some internet research. Below is another variety with a totally different flower I grew in 2018. May it rest in peace. So if I piqued your interest about this plant, you might be wondering where to source these. I’ve had luck at local nurseries from time to time as well as with online resources. While you won’t get blooms galore, the anticipation of these fascinating flowers is worth it.
Another carrion flower called Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea) is equally breathtaking. (Image credit: Melinda Heigel)
Notes
Resources and Additional Information
Flies and other lesser-known pollinators
Other Late-blooming Flowers to Enjoy in the Fall
Creating and Maintaining an Indoor Succulent Garden
Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-888
