Black Bells

Black Bells (Stapelia leendertziae)

Black Bells is a compact stapeliad succulent that brings bold, sculptural texture to small pots and bright indoor spaces. Its upright, angular stems stay neat and space-friendly, while the unusual blooms provide a true collector-style moment when the plant is happy. This plant thrives on a simple routine of bright light, fast drainage, and careful watering, which makes it easy to keep consistent. If you want something different from the usual succulents, Black Bells delivers standout character without needing constant attention.

Distinctive Features

Black Bells forms clumps of four-angled, green to slightly reddish stems that look crisp and architectural year-round. When it blooms in warm months, it produces deep maroon to near-black, bell-shaped flowers with a textured interior and a dramatic, almost gothic look. Like many stapeliads, the flowers can have a strong carrion-like odor that attracts pollinators, so placement matters. Over time, the clump can widen gradually and can be increased by rooting stem cuttings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade outdoors, or very bright light indoors for best growth and flowering.
• Soil: Very fast-draining cactus or succulent mix, ideally with added grit, in a pot with drainage.
• Water: Water thoroughly, then let the mix dry out well before watering again, and water sparingly in cooler or low-light periods.
• USDA Zones: 9 to 11 outdoors, and grown as a houseplant anywhere.
• Mature Size: Commonly about 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide as a clumping plant in containers.
• Habit: Clumping, upright to mounding succulent with angular, leafless stems.

Ideal Uses

• Collector Displays: Add a true conversation plant to a succulent collection with a look that stands apart from rosettes.
• Bright Windowsills: Keep near strong light where the stems stay compact and the plant can build energy for blooms.
• Patio Containers: Grow outdoors in warm weather to boost vigor, then bring indoors before cold nights.
• Rock and Grit Pots: Pair with mineral top dressing for a clean, modern presentation that suits the plant.
• Focal Point: Feature a single pot on a shelf or table where the architectural stems and rare dark blooms become the main visual statement.
• Low-Water Groupings: Combine with other drought-tolerant succulents in separate pots to keep watering needs aligned.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering Discipline: Avoid frequent watering, since consistently wet soil can cause rapid stem and root rot.
• Light Management: Increase light gradually if growth stretches, and provide some protection from extreme midday heat in very hot climates.
• Airflow: Provide good airflow around the stems to help the plant dry quickly after watering.
• Propagation: Root stem cuttings after the cut end dries and calluses, then plant in a dry, gritty mix.
• Temperature: Protect from frost and cold, wet conditions, and bring containers indoors before freezing weather.

Why Choose Black Bells?

• Unusual Flower Form: Dark, bell-shaped blooms create a collector-level feature that feels rare and memorable.
• Architectural Stems: Angular, upright stems add clean structure even when the plant is not in flower.
• Low Water Needs: A dry-between-waterings routine keeps care simple and consistent.
• Space Friendly: Compact clumping growth fits small pots and tight display areas.
• Easy to Multiply: Stem cuttings root well when handled correctly, making it simple to build a fuller clump.
• True Conversation Plant: The blooms are dramatic and distinctive, with an odor that is best managed by thoughtful placement.

Black Bells is best for growers who enjoy unusual plants and are comfortable giving succulents a dry, well-drained setup. Give it bright light, gritty soil, and patience with watering, and it will reward you with strong structure and one of the most distinctive bloom displays you can grow in a pot.