Ep. 134 - Lifesaver Plant

Huernia zebrina

Looking for a low-stress succulent with beautiful, unusual flowers?

Then Huernia zebrina should be on your list. We’ve both kept this plant for years, so we’ll share plenty of mistakes for you to learn from! What is soil compaction? What is the easiest way to propagate? And what about the other amazing plants in the Stapeliad group? This is one we’re both excited about!

Mentioned in this episode:

• why this cute little succulent is a charismatic introduction to the Stapeliads - and it has charming names like Lifesaver Plant, Zebra Plant, and Little Owl Eyes that are almost as fun as its unusual flowers

• how to grow them successfully without some of the challenges that prevent them from being as easy as they can be - adequate light and warmth, a well-draining soil free of compaction, and an appropriate watering routine are very important for these!

• where this plant fits into the Dogbane family, Apocynaceae, within the Milkweed subfamily Asclepiadoideae, where it’s a relative of the Hoyas and String of Hearts! Mostly just relevant to botany nerds, there is some taxonomic chaos, but for plant growers, there are many excellent genera and species to pick from the Stapelieae tribe

• how much of an obstacle is the carrion-like scent that attracts flies to pollinate these succulents when growing them at home?

And lastly,

• We’re excited to team up with Soltech Solutions! Use code PLANTDADDYPODCAST at checkout to save 15%

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Here is Matthew’s Huernia zebrina, showing its first flowers, and the impressive amount of growth it put on in its first year - and the stems that fell off during his move that have become new plants by now!

And just because we love the Stapeliads, here are a couple of his other plants - Orbea speciosa, and Edithcolea grandis.