Scientific Name
Huernia zebrina 'Variegata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Huernia zebrina N. E. Br.
Synonym(s)
Huernia zebrina f. variegata
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: Huernia
Description
Huernia zebrina 'Variegata' is a small succulent that forms attractive clumps of strongly toothed, grey-green stems with irregular yellow or sometimes pinkish markings. The branched stems are erect to decumbent, 4- to 6-angled, up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long, and 0.8 inches (2 cm) thick (excluding teeth). Each specimen is unique, and some stems can be almost entirely yellow or pinkish.
The flowers are star-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, and appear in summer and early fall. They are cream-colored to yellowish, irregularly lined with red to maroon on lobes changing to dots on the shiny annulus, often coalescing there, and uniformly red to maroon in the tube.
Origin
Huernia zebrina 'Variegata' is a form of Huernia zebrina selected for its variegated stems.
How to Grow and Care for Huernia zebrina 'Variegata'
Light: H. zebrina 'Variegata' prefers bright light or partial shade during the hottest summer days. Too much sun causes the stems to develop a protective pigmentation or get sunburned. Too little light leads to weak, thin stems and decreased flower production. Indoors, place the plant near the brightest window in your home.
Soil: The right soil is crucial to successfully growing H. zebrina 'Variegata'. Use a commercial potting soil mix for succulents, or prepare your own with 50 to 70 % mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm outdoor environments with low to moderate humidity but does not like winter cold and should remain fairly dry and warm during its winter dormancy. H. zebrina 'Variegata' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: H. zebrina 'Variegata' has typical watering needs for a succulent. During the growing season, water your plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. The plant goes dormant in winter and needs almost no water, about once a month.
Fertilizing: To keep your plant healthy and thriving, fertilization during the growing season is a good idea. Feed with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: H. zebrina 'Variegata' will benefit from fresh potting soil every 2 or 3 years. Repot your plant in spring, just before the growing season. Pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: The best way to propagate this succulent is from stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season to ensure good rooting.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Huernia.
Toxicity of Huernia zebrina 'Variegata'
H. zebrina 'Variegata' has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans.
Links
- Back to genus Huernia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
