Huernia is a captivating genus of succulent plants, known for their distinctive, patterned flowers. These plants belong to the Apocynaceae family and are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Southern and Eastern Africa. Their unique flowers and compact growth make them appealing to succulent enthusiasts and collectors.
Identifying Huernia Features
Huernia plants are characterized by succulent stems, typically angular with four to seven ribs or angles. These grey-green stems are usually lined with prominent, soft teeth. Stems are generally low-growing and can form dense clumps, but their remarkable flowers are the true allure.
The flowers are typically star-shaped with five lobes, usually between 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. A distinguishing feature is a raised, glossy, central ring called an annulus, which encircles the flower’s throat. Petals display varied textures (smooth, hairy, warty) and come in diverse colors and patterns (stripes, spots, mottling), often in shades of red, yellow, or brown. Many Huernia species also emit a faint, sometimes unpleasant, carrion-like scent to attract flies.
Popular Huernia Varieties
Huernia zebrina, often called the Lifesaver Plant, is known for its unique blooms. Its five-pointed, star-like flowers are typically yellow with striking wine-red zebra stripes. A prominent, glossy, dark-red annulus resembles a life preserver or candy, giving it its common name. The stems of H. zebrina are four-sided with soft teeth and can develop a reddish tinge in bright sunlight.
Huernia schneideriana, known as the Red Dragon Flower, features slender, trailing stems that can grow up to 20 cm long and have six to seven angles with inconspicuous barbs. Its deep burgundy, velvety flowers are about 3 cm across, with an almost black interior tube. Blooms typically appear in the autumn.
Huernia macrocarpa forms low, creeping clumps of grey-green stems, up to 9 cm long, resembling small fingers. Stems are furrowed with dense, conical teeth. Its bell-shaped, star-like flowers, produced from July to October, are magenta with soft white hairs and a brownish, blackish, or yellowish interior often marked with purple bands.
Huernia keniensis, native to Kenya and Tanzania, develops five-sided, gray-green stems that can reach 12 cm in length. This species produces numerous star-shaped flowers with a characteristic ten-pointed corolla. The reddish to purple flowers are covered with small warts.
Huernia guttata is recognized for its pale green, often cylindrical stems. Its flowers are typically cream or yellowish with numerous reddish-brown spots, creating a speckled effect. They are generally bell-like with a slightly textured surface.
Exploring More Huernia Varieties
Huernia pendula is notable for its long, trailing stems, making it a good choice for hanging displays. Its flowers often feature delicate patterns and an elongated, pendulous shape. The blooms can be a blend of cream and reddish-brown, with a textured surface.
Huernia quinta forms dense clumps of grey-green to purplish stems, characterized by deltoid tubercles. Its flowers often have a pale base color with darker markings.
Huernia pillansii is recognized by its textured stems, covered with soft, conical tubercles that give it an almost spiky appearance, though these are harmless. The flowers are generally smaller and can be reddish-brown, with a slightly fuzzy or papillose texture. These blooms emerge from between the stem tubercles.
Essential Huernia Care
Huernia varieties thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat under partial shade. While they appreciate ample light for flowering, intense, direct afternoon sun can lead to scorching or a reddish tinge on the stems. During their active growing season, water them when the soil has completely dried out.
Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings to prevent rot, a common issue for succulents. In winter, when plants are less active, reduce watering significantly, to about once a month. A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is suitable for Huernia, amended with perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
They prefer warm conditions during the growing season but benefit from cooler temperatures in winter, ideally above 10°C (50°F) to avoid frost damage. Fertilization can be minimal; a weak solution of a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer applied during the growing season supports healthy growth and flowering. While generally robust, Huernia can occasionally encounter mealy bugs.