Photo of Huernia zebrina by Cactus Jungle

Photo by Cactus Jungle

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Huernia zebrina

Also Known As

  • Lifesaver Plant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 6"
  • W: 6"

planting zones

  • 9b-11

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Huernia zebrina plant details

Huernia zebrina is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer cream and red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Huernia zebrina

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 0 - 6 IN - wide, 0 - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: cream and red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, edging plant, houseplant, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Huernia zebrina

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: low
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This unique, compact cactus from Southern Africa features pentagonal to star-shaped, yellow flowers with bold red zebra stripes. The striking, unearthly red ring adorning the bloom gives this guy its nickname, Lifesaver Plant. Will form a mound of four or five-angled, greyish green succulent stems with conical teeth. Provide a well-drained soil away from reflected heat. Requires little water once established. Ideal in warm climate landscapes, rock gardens and container gardens, but is especially happy sitting on your bright windowsill as a houseplant. Protect this little guy from frost!\n
Also known as the Lifesaver Cactus, or Huernia confusa (though not the accepted scientific name) this is a beautifully flowering huernia. The yellow and red striped flower boasts a large, red annulus in the middle that resembles a red lifesaver. Not cold tolerant, needs well draining substrate and part shade during the summer.
The amazing 5-pointed, yellow, star-shaped flowers are banded in coppery brown with a dark red lifesaver rim making it appropriately named Life Saver Plant. This low-growing succulent has 4-sided stems with soft teeth at the edges and the flowers emerge intermittently. Life Saver Plant is easy-to-grow; it loves full sun and dryness between waterings. It's perfect for a sunny windowsill and will tolerate neglectful watering.
Clumps of 6" stems, erect or recumbent; cream-colored blooms with red centers.

Gardening facts about Huernia zebrina plant

How to Grow Huernia zebrina

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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