Huernia zebrina

Also Known As

Lifesaver Plant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 6"
W: 6"

planting zones

9b-11

More Options

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

Huernia zebrina is an intriguing little succulent with somewhat nondescript, fleshy, green to grey-green stems with crazy, thick, plastic-like, star-shaped, red and yellow petals with a central, deep red, lifesaver-like ring. It is called lifesaver plant, little owl eyes, zebra-striped Huernia, or, in some circles that know my colourful Texas friend, Jimmy Turner, "burning ring of fire".

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

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

By: Little Prince of Oregon

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.

By: Paradise Found Nursery

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.