Huernia macrocarpa
Starfish flower
Huernia are stem succulents with five-lobed, funnel or bell-shaped flowers often striped vividly in contrasting colours or tones, some glossy, others matt and wrinkled depending on the species concerned. The flowers attract flies by emitting a scent similar to that of carrion. Lifesaver plants can be grown as intriguing indoor, greenhouse or summer patio container plants almost anywhere and can be grown outdoors in warm-winter and Mediterranean climates.
-
Partial shade
-
Very little water
-
Not Frost hardy
-
Light and free draining
Common name
Starfish flower
Latin name
Huernia macrocarpa
type
Succulent
family
Apocynaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
-
Light
Partial shade
-
Frost
Not Frost hardy
-
Soil
Light and free draining
-
Water
Very little water
Plant & bloom calendar
-
Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
0.35 M
0.25 M
Huernia macrocarpa
Huernia are stem succulents with five-lobed, funnel or bell-shaped flowers often striped vividly in contrasting colours or tones, some glossy, others matt and wrinkled depending on the species concerned. The flowers attract flies by emitting a scent similar to that of carrion. Lifesaver plants can be grown as intriguing indoor, greenhouse or summer patio container plants almost anywhere and can be grown outdoors in warm-winter and Mediterranean climates.
Planting
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Mostly, Huernia are grown as houseplants. If purchased as a pot plant, re-pot in spring as necessary, using a shallow pot. A commercial cactus mixture plus a little added leaf mould is ideal. Put a layer of broken crocks in the bottom to improve drainage. It needs as much light as possible, but protect from direct sun during summer. It will tolerate normal temperatures in summer and can be put outdoors until early autumn. In winter keep at a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F).
Propagation by cuttings
From Early Summer TO Mid Summer
You can take cuttings from early to mid-summer. Using a sharp knife, cut off healthy stems. Place on a sheet of paper and allow to dry for about 4 days before planting cuttings in individual pots of commercial cactus compost.