Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of South Africa. Grow in direct sunlight throughout the year – this will encourage flowering. They will also grow in light shade or semi-shade in hot climates. The soil should be a well-drained, sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil and a pH of 6.5–7.5.

Provided that they are not over-watered and are given a warm position, your stapelia will flower successfully. When grown in containers, water from below. Too much water leads to rotting from the base and too little water causes the plants to shrink and die from the tips. Rather water plants sparingly than excessively. The plants require a period without water in winter (a dormant phase). They can survive long periods without water, but be sure to water them before they shrink too much as they will not be able to recover.

Grow plants in warm, dry places, if the temperature gets too low (below 15°C) or too moist, plants easily develop black spot and other fungal diseases. Fungicide is best applied during the dormant (winter) season as it may inhibit flowering and growth during the active season.

If needed, plants can be fed with liquid fertiliser during the active growing phase (spring and summer). Plants grow rapidly. When grown in containers and plants are crowding against the rims of containers, consider transplanting, but do this in spring just before active growth starts.

Propagation by seed is easy. Wait for fruit to ripen, at which time they will split to release the tufted seeds. Seeds stay viable for several months to a year or more if kept in cool and dry conditions. Sow seed in a well-drained, sandy medium, these will germinate within a week at 21°C.

Truncheons already with roots can be taken from large plants and planted directly into the garden. As plants form clumps that gradually expand, trimmed pieces can serve as a means to propagate more plants. Cuttings can be made with a clean, sharp knife, leave the cuttings for 4–5 days to allow the ends to air dry and then plant these in a well-drained, sandy medium. Leave these for 3–4 weeks without directly watering the severed ends to prevent rotting. When roots have been established, water sparingly.

Woolly aphids on the roots and underground stems and mealy bugs on the stems and bases are the most common problems. A strong jet of water or a 50:50 mix of methylated spirits and water can be used to eradicate these pests.

Black rot, a secondary infection after woolly aphid attacks, is also problematic. Remove all traces of black rot with a sterile knife, spray the plant with a fungicide such as Benlate (a.i. benomyl) and dust with flowers of sulphur. As soon as stem rot is noticed, the affected parts should immediately be cut away and destroyed.

See the Stapelia contribution in this series for further cultivation advice.