Huernia zebrina, Lifesaver Plant
Looking for an exotic and unusual plant to add to your collection? Look no further than the Huernia zebrina, commonly known as the Lifesaver Plant or Lifesaver Cactus. This fascinating succulent boasts distinct star-shaped pale yellow flowers with a thick maroon ring, resembling a candy or a lifesaver candy. It’s a member of the Apocynaceae family and is native to Eastern and Southern Africa. What makes the plant even more intriguing is that, unlike other succulents, Huernia zebrina doesn’t store water in its leaves but its thick stems.
The Huernia zebrina is a species of the Huernia genus, part of the Asclepiadaceae family. The plant was first described in 1915 by botanist Isaac Bayley Balfour, who initially classified it as Stapelia zebrina. It was later reclassified as Huernia zebrina in the 1980s. The plant thrives in hot, dry regions, making it ideal for your sunny windowsill. These succulents are known for their fleshy stems, which are green with raised, white, and warty areas called ‘tubercles.’
One of the most amazing things about the Huernia zebrina is its unique and fascinating flowers. The plant’s flowers grow on the tips of its stems and resemble a lifesaver candy, with a thick maroon ring and a yellow center. Despite their flashy appearance, the flowers of the Huernia zebrina don’t produce any noticeable scent, making it different from other species of the Huernia genus. The star-shaped blooms grow in clusters, making for a stunning and unforgettable sight!
When it comes to taking care of a Huernia zebrina, the trick is to mimic its natural habitat. The plant thrives in warm and sunny conditions, so make sure you provide it with plenty of bright, indirect light. Ensure that you keep the soil well-drained, as the plant won’t tolerate sitting in stagnant water. The Huernia zebrina originates from hot, dry regions of Africa, and it’s advisable to water it only when the soil is dry. Another critical thing to remember is that the plant tends to take a break from growing during winter. Once you’ve got a routine down, taking care of this plant is a breeze!
Fun fact: the Huernia zebrina has a few other common names besides the Lifesaver Plant, such as the “Little Stinker” and “Carrion Plant.” This is because the plant attracts flies with the help of its hairy and sticky hairs that line the inside of its flowers, trapping them for several hours. The plant then releases the flies, allowing them to carry pollen to nearby Huernia zebrina plants.
The Huernia zebrina is a one-of-a-kind succulent that will add color and interest to any plant collection. With its attractive lifesaver candy-like flowers, fleshy green stems, and warty areas, it’s sure to be a unique conversation starter. The plant requires minimal maintenance due to its origin in dry and hot regions of Africa, making it an excellent plant for beginners. Make sure you mimic the plant’s natural habitat, give it plenty of sunshine, and you’ll be enjoying a beautiful display of blooms in no time!
Regarding the general appearance of Huernia zebrina, its stems are fleshy and green and have a mottled or speckled appearance. They tend to sprawl and spread out, making this plant an excellent creeping vine. Depending on its environment, this plant can grow to be several inches tall. In some cases, it can even grow up to a few feet long, making it a perfect addition to a hanging basket or a tall planter.
One of the most striking features of this plant is, of course, its star-shaped flower. Its petals possess a unique zebra-like pattern that sets it apart from other flowers. The flowers typically bloom in the summer and can last several weeks when appropriately cared for. A little bit of extra attention given to the plant during its blooming phase can significantly increase the time the flowers will last. Extra sun exposure and feeding could do the trick for you.
While Huernia zebrina is relatively easy to care for, it requires proper attention to thrive fully. It would be best to let the soil dry out between waterings as with other succulent plants. Ensuring the plant receives adequate sunlight is important, as it could affect its overall health, growth, and lovely blooms. Like other succulent plants, Huernia zebrina is vulnerable to root rot if it sits in water or too wet soil. So, it’s vital to ensure it doesn’t get overwatered.
How do you care for a lifesaver plant?
Growing Huernia zebrina, or the lifesaver cactus, is relatively easy if you follow these guidelines:
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, ideally one that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. You can make your mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice.
- Container: Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent excess water from accumulating, which can lead to root rot. A shallow, wide container is preferable, as Huernia zebrina has a shallow root system.
- Light: Huernia zebrina prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. If grown indoors, place it near a south or east-facing window. Outdoors: place the plant in a spot with filtered sunlight or light shade, as direct sunlight can cause sunburn on the stems. Life-saver plants grow underneath shrubs or other plants in nature. Too much sun can cause stems to develop protective reddish and purple pigmentation, which may scald the plant tissues if it’s not properly protected from direct sunlight exposure (not enough shade).
- Water: Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water more frequently, while in the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce watering. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Temperature: Huernia zebrina thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C). Protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost; it is not cold-hardy.
- Fertilization: During the growing season, you can apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength every 4-6 weeks. Do not fertilize during the dormant season.
- Propagation: Huernia zebrina can be propagated by stem cuttings. Allow the cut end of the stem to dry and callous for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting establishes roots.
- Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. If you notice any infestations, treat them with insecticidal soap or a suitable pesticide.
With proper care, your Huernia zebrina should grow and produce its unique, eye-catching flowers. Remember that the flowers emit a foul odor, so you may want to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area or outdoors during its blooming period.
Toxic?
This plant is part of the milkweed family which means it is toxic to animals and people if ingested or if the latex “sap” gets into your eyes. Make sure to wash your hands after touching this plant because its white latex can cause eye damage. If you eat any of the raw material it might result in digestive problems or other negative reactions. This plant should absolutely not be in a place where it can be easily reached by children or pets.
*Image represents a living plant, size and color may slightly vary due to growing conditions. Plants can not be shipped to Hawaii, US Territory or outside USA.
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