Huernia zebrina
little owl
A clump-forming succulent producing 4- or 5-angled, grey-green stems to 6cm long, edged with conical spines. In late summer it bears succulent, star-shaped flowers, the points of which are yellow with burgundy stripes; these are set around a raised, glossy, wine-red ring. Huernia flowers have an unpleasant smell to attract pollinating flies
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Yellow Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Huernia are a genus of perennial stem succulents native to Southern Africa and Arabia with green, thick and fleshy, often spiny stems and bell or funnel-shaped red, yellow or brown flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Namibia, Botswana, S. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost with added leaf mould in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water moderately and apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; keep almost dry in winter
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in spring; root stem section cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to stem rot if overwatered
Get involved
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