Stapelia Leendertziae (Black Bells)

Stapelia leendertziae – The Mysterious Black Bells

Bold, unusual, and visually striking, Stapelia leendertziae, known as Black Bells, is a rare succulent admired for its dramatic presence. Native to South Africa and a member of the milkweed family, this plant features thick, angular stems in rich green to deep purple tones. Its standout feature: large, velvety, bell-shaped flowers in a deep maroon to near-black hue that resemble gothic velvet bells.

A must-have for collectors and those who love architectural or sculptural plants, Black Bells thrives in containers, arid gardens, and rockeries. Its flowers emit a light carrion scent to attract pollinators like flies—nature's fascinating twist.

Why It's Special:

• Deep maroon to black, bell-shaped flowers with a velvety texture
• Thick, angular stems with a striking, sculptural look
• Low-growing and spreading habit—great for pots or rock gardens
• Rare and exotic succulent with collector appeal
• Drought-tolerant and low maintenance once established

Care Guide:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light or filtered morning sun. Avoid intense afternoon heat.
• Watering: Water sparingly. Allow soil to fully dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
• Soil: Requires a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm environments. Keep above 10°C and protect from frost.
• Feeding: Use a diluted succulent fertilizer during spring and summer.
• Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Let cuttings callous before planting.

This is more than a plant—it's a statement piece for your collection. Rare, dramatic, and uniquely beautiful.

Limited stock available. Add this showstopper to your collection while you can.

The first photo serves a display purpose only. The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. Plants will be shipped as bare root.

Want your succulent with a pot?

We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!

Just click here to make your request.

Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.                    View Shipping options