How do you care for Huernia?
Try an eastern or western window that is bright most of the day but doesn’t experience the hottest rays of the day. A sensible watering schedule is key to caring for Huernia. As with most succulents, the plant is prone to rot if it is too wet, but it does need supplemental water during its growing season.
How do you get Huernia to bloom?
Keeping this information in mind, you need to strike a balance with the light that you give your indoor Huernia. You need enough light to produce strong growth and flowering, but not too much light that can cause scalding.
How much sun does a lifesaver plant need?
In the summer, these plants enjoy bright light and full sun. As the plant comes from the arid regions of South Africa and the Mediterranean, it’s used to warm temperatures and dry air. For outdoor growth in full sun, most species of this genus are recommended for USDA hardiness zone 10.
Is Huernia a stapelia?
Many species of Huernia have been moved to this genus from their closely related cousins, the Stapelia. Huernia resemble Stapelia by producing the distinctly scented flowers that lead to the name of Carrion Flower.
How do you take care of Huernia Schneideriana?
Easy to care for, it needs well-draining soil, little watering, and bright indirect light. It has very few pests and diseases but is sensitive to root rot and overwatering. Huernia schneideriana stems produce a white latex-like substance that is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from kids and pets.
Is Huernia zebrina toxic to cats?
This a suitable plant for households with pets or very young children; the fleshy prickles are soft, and do not cause injury – and the plant is does not appear to be toxic: most Huernia species are considered edible by the native peoples throughout the range of this genus.
How often does a lifesaver cactus bloom?
It blooms generously from late spring through summer. The thick, angular stems have spiked margins and can flush red with strong sun, though these low-growing plants prefer a partial shade when temperatures are high.
Why is my Huernia yellow?
Over-watering is the most common cause of yellowing leaves on a succulent plant. Constantly wet soil can rot the plant’s roots, interfering with its ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. Check your plant’s soil with your fingertip and, if it feels wet, over-watering is a likely cause.
How long does it take a lifesaver cactus to bloom?
The Lifesaver cactus bloom appears around October and stay around until March. Up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter, the star-shaped flowers have a distinct, liver-colored raised ring or annulus at the center.
What is the genus name of the succulent Huernia?
The genus Huernia consists of stem succulents from Eastern and Southern Africa, first described as a genus in 1810. The name is in honor of Justin Heurnius (1587–1652) a Dutch missionary who is reputed to have been the first collector of South African Cape plants.
What is Huernia oculata?
Huernia oculata is a dwarf succulent plant with very unusual flowers. Stems are stout, slender, erect or somewhat sprawling, 5-angled, glabrous, strongly toothed, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and appear from late summer to early autumn.
What is Huernia hystrix?
Huernia hystrix N.E. Brown 1876 (Porcupine Huernia) Name: Latin hystrixspiny (like a porcupine) This Southern African succulent plant grows easily and is free-flowering in late summer. The flowers, about 2 cm in diameter, have quite fleshy papillae and are particularly attractive.
What is the best Huernia cactus to grow?
Plant enthusiasts are always on the look-out for an unusual and amazing specimen. Huernia zebrina, or Lifesaver plant, is one of the best in this category. Lifesaver cactus plants are easy to grow in small dish gardens or even bonsai containers. The biggest challenges with Huernia cactus care are overwatering, incorrect lighting and mealybugs.