Velvet maroon bells
Flowers combine deep colour, a wrinkled surface and a pendant position unusual even within Stapelia.
4
Stapelia leendertziae 5.5cm
Normal price
€3,50
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Stapelialeendertziae
A flower that never goes unnoticed 🔔
- Apocynaceae
- Four-angled stems
- Maroon bell flowers
- Fly-pollination syndrome
- South Africa & Eswatini
Stapelia leendertziae builds an unusual cluster of angular green stems with finely toothed edges, creating a form that feels both ancient and strikingly contemporary. Its matte surface and clean vertical repetition give the plant strong graphic character even before flowers appear. This is a succulent for collections seeking different textures, bold silhouettes and species with genuine theatrical presence.
The great reveal comes with spectacular bell-shaped flowers in deep burgundy and brown, their velvety surface creating remarkable depth. Suspended among the green stems, they resemble elaborate textile sculptures and produce a contrast that is difficult to forget. It is an authentically collectible plant for anyone who wants every flowering to feel like an event and every close look to uncover another layer of detail.
What makes it special
Three details that turn its botanical identity into genuine presence for a collection and interior or outdoor setting.
Leafless sculpture
Four-angled stems photosynthesise and build a dense almost coral-like clump.
A genuine pollination story
A scent mimicking organic material attracts flies, turning flowering into a living lesson in ecology.
Why you will love it: it is not merely an unusual appearance but a complete experience, from the sculptural clump to the remarkable biology of its flower.
In your spacePlacement & plant pairingsWhere it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Provide a very bright position with morning or late-afternoon sun and excellent airflow. A low pot allows pendant flowers to remain visible and clear of damp surfaces. During flowering it can temporarily move to a sheltered outdoor position if the scent is unwelcome indoors.
Plants that bring out its character
Pair it with plants that genuinely share its light, substrate and seasonal rhythm. Separate pots keep care precise for every plant.
- Kleinia stapeliiformis — similar linear form from a completely different family.
- Euphorbia susannae — a low green clump with clean geometry.
- Aloe somaliensis — a spotted rosette as a sharp contrast to soft stems.
Care at a glance
Light
Very bright filtered light with a few hours of gentle direct sun.
Water
Deep watering in growth only after complete drying; much less in winter.
Climate
Warmth and airflow in growth, protection below about 10°C and from cold damp.
Pets & children
Not a food plant; sap may irritate sensitive skin and ingestion should be prevented.
Selected for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, drying cycle, climate, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Strong light keeps stems thick and supports flowering. Scorching midday sun behind glass can burn them, so acclimate and ventilate.
Watering correctly
Water thoroughly while the plant is active and the mix is completely dry, then allow full drainage. During winter rest give minimal water only if stems wrinkle severely.
Air and humidity
Air movement is critical after watering and around the base. Avoid high humidity, misting and crowding among other plants.
Temperature and seasonal rhythm
Main growth and flowering usually occur during the warm season. Keep it bright, cool and much drier in winter.
Substrate
Use a very open mix with a high proportion of pumice or perlite and do not bury stem bases deeply.
Feeding, repotting and handling
Feed lightly and sparingly while new stems are growing. Overfeeding produces soft vulnerable growth.
Botanical identityIdentity & natural originAccepted name, taxonomic history and natural or cultivated origin
Accepted Stapelia leendertziae
Kew accepts the species in Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae. The former family name Asclepiadaceae remains common in cultivation but is not the modern family placement.
South Africa and Eswatini
The native range extends from Gauteng and the Northern Provinces to KwaZulu-Natal and Eswatini in subtropical regions.
A wild species, not a cultivar
The name represents a wild species identity. Stapelia wilmaniae is listed as a synonym; there is no breeder or cultivar introduction year.
From natural habitat to care: Succulent stems and seasonal flowering reflect life in bright subtropical environments with dry intervals. In a pot it needs a warm active season, rapid drainage and much drier roots as temperatures fall.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical detail for anyone who wants to understand the science behind the plant
Sapromyiophily mimics decay
Colour, scent and hairs attract flies that move pollen between flowers.
Stems perform photosynthesis
Leaves are reduced and the green four-angled body handles water storage and sugar production.
Flowers hang downward
The pendant position is characteristic and helps maintain the scent signal around the flower.
Fruits are paired follicles
Successful pollination may produce elongated follicles containing seeds with silky tufts.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers about light, watering, seasonal rhythm and the plant’s correct identity.
01How much direct sun can it take?
Strong light keeps stems thick and supports flowering. Scorching midday sun behind glass can burn them, so acclimate and ventilate.
02When exactly should it be watered?
Water thoroughly while the plant is active and the mix is completely dry, then allow full drainage. During winter rest give minimal water only if stems wrinkle severely.
03Does it always smell?
No. The characteristic scent is mainly associated with open flowers and varies with temperature, time of day and individual plant.
04Why is it not flowering?
It usually needs greater maturity, stronger light and a clear seasonal difference between warm active growth and a drier winter.
05What substrate and feeding does it need?
Use a very open mix with a high proportion of pumice or perlite and do not bury stem bases deeply. Feed lightly and sparingly while new stems are growing. Overfeeding produces soft vulnerable growth.
06Is it safe around pets and children?
Not a food plant; sap may irritate sensitive skin and ingestion should be prevented.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.