Stapelia gettliffei normally grows in dappled shade under trees and can spread horizontally up to 1 m diameter. In the built environment it is best suited to a rocky area where it can not be overgrown by other species.

The flowers of Stapelia gettliffei are exceptionally large, up to 100mm in diameter and is very hairy. The stems turn red in the dry season and become paper-thin. Keep dry in winter.