Description
Huernia zebrina, the Lifesaver Plant, is a small South African succulent grown for its unusual fleshy, angled stems and remarkable star-shaped flowers. The cream-to-yellow flowers are patterned with burgundy and feature a raised, glossy red ring in the center that resembles a lifesaver candy. Stems may grow about 6–8 inches long and spread outward as the plant matures.
Growing in Alabama
Grow in a pot with drainage holes using a gritty cactus or succulent mix. Give bright light with protection from harsh midday summer sun, especially behind glass. Water thoroughly during active growth only after the potting mix has dried substantially; reduce watering sharply in cool, low-light months. Never leave the pot standing in water, as wet roots can rot quickly. Light feeding during spring and summer is enough.
Lifesaver Plant is frost-tender (roughly USDA Zones 9b–11), so keep it indoors or otherwise protected before freezing weather across most of Alabama. It prefers a snug pot and rarely needs heavy pruning.
