While some Stapeliads like Hoodia, Caralluma and Whitesloania naturally live in hot, dry exposed environments, most Stapeliads naturally live between or partially under rocks, other shrubs or similar partly sheltered places.

In cultivation, (apart from the few sun-loving genera just mentioned), approximately 30% shade is preferred throughout the hottest months. Above 40% shade stems become green, thin and weak. Flowering also decreases considerably in too much shade.

Hoodia gordonii