The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Huernia zebrina is auniquesmall perennialsucculentthat grows in a creeping pattern.
Read on for our care and growing guide.
It can even be grown in a dish garden.
The stems of Huernia zebrina change to red under stronger light exposureMelodyanneM / Getty Images
In its native range in southern Africa, its an understory plant.
An eastern- or western-facing window that provides partial shade is best.
Southern exposure with midday sun and extreme heat will stress the plant and make it susceptible to disease.
Soil
The right soil is crucial to successfully growingHuernia zebrina.
Both the soil and the pot need excellent drainage.
Unglazed pots are best because they allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Water slowly until water runs out of the drainage hole, and empty the saucer so no water remains.
Only water again when the soil has dried out again.
On hot summer days, this can happen fast so check the soil regularly.
During the winter, the plant goesdormantand needs almost no water, about once a month.
Be aware that outdoors, the soil will dry out more quickly so adjust the watering accordingly.
Do not add any more fertilizer starting in late August as the plant approaches dormancy.
Types of Huernia Zebrina
Huernia zebrina variegatais a rare variety withvariegated leaves.
Here’s how:
Potting and Repotting Huernia Zebrina
Huernia zebrinagenerally does not outgrow its container.
Its fine if it tightly fills the pot because that limits its growth and keeps the plant nicely compact.
It will benefit from fresh potting soil about every two years but wont necessarily need a larger pot.
Common Pests and Plant DIseases
Huernia zebrinacan attractmealybugs.
Stem rot manifests itself in soft dark spots.
What Do Huernia Zebrina’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
This gave the houseplant its common name, lifesaver plant or lifebuoy plant.
This plant prefers partial shade/indirect light.
Drooping Leaves
This is a plant that does not like to be overwatered.
If you notice drooping leaves, check your water leaves.
check that to only water when the soil feels dry.
The lifesaver’s flower is beautiful to look at, but it smells awfulsome liken it to rotting flesh.
Although the plant is sometimes referred to as a cactus, it is actually a succulent.
