Huernia pillansii N.E.Br. · Huernia from Pillans · Huernia with spiny stems

🌱 Morphology

Perennial succulent of low growth, forming compact or spreading clumps by means of numerous fleshy, erect or ascending stems. The stems, generally 1.5–6 cm in length and 0.7–1.5 cm thick, are almost cylindrical, greyish- green in colour, and feature numerous rows of small tubercles. Each tubercle ends in a thin and soft extension, resembling a bristle, which gives the plant its characteristic spiny appearance. The more mature stems can reach greater lengths and form less dense clusters.

Family: Apocynaceae · Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae · Tribe: Ceropegieae · Subtribe: Stapeliinae.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family

It is native to South Africa, where it is distributed throughout areas of the Little Karoo and southern regions of the Great Karoo, from the surroundings of Montagu and Touws River to areas near Willowmore. It is particularly characteristic of the region of Ladismith, Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp. It grows among rocks, under small xerophytic shrubs, and on rocky slopes or relatively open stony ground, where it remains partially protected from the intense sun. Its peculiar appearance and the abundance of papillae inside its flowers make it a highly recognizable species within the genus Huernia.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 10b

It tolerates minimum temperatures close to 1.7 °C as a climatic reference for the USDA 10b zone, but this does not guarantee the survival of the plant at that temperature. It is sensitive to frost and to the combination of cold and persistent dampness. For safe cultivation, it is recommended to protect it when nighttime temperatures fall below 8–10 °C and to keep the growing medium almost dry during the winter.

☀️ Lighting

It needs plenty of light to keep the stems compact and promote flowering. A bright location is recommended, with soft morning sun or partial shade during the middle hours of the day. It can tolerate more sunny exposure if acclimatized gradually, avoiding sudden changes that cause scorch. As a reference, it can be grown with a DLI PAR of approximately 12–20 mol/m²/day, adjusting it to the light intensity and the plant's response.

💧 Growth and watering

Winter rest. Its growth is concentrated mainly during the warm months. During this period, it is recommended to water thoroughly and allow the growing medium to dry completely before watering again. During the winter, watering should be considerably reduced, especially if the plant remains in a cool place. Although the stems are able to store reserves, the roots and the base of the plant are vulnerable to prolonged dampness, so it is essential to use a very well-aerated growing medium with rapid drainage.

🌸 Flowering

The flowers, about 3–5 cm in diameter, appear successively on short peduncles and usually face upwards. The corolla features five narrow and pointed lobes, cream- yellow in colour, with small reddish or maroon spots forming irregular patterns. The inside is covered with numerous fleshy papillae, often with red bands, while the central crown shows dark purple or maroon shades. Flowering usually occurs from late summer to early autumn, although it may vary depending on growing conditions. The flowers may give off an unpleasant odour that attracts pollinating flies.

🌿 Nutrition

Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied moderately during the active growth period and following the dosage indicated for the product. Balanced nutrition promotes the formation of new stems and the development of the roots without stimulating excessively soft growth. During the winter rest, it is recommended to reduce or suspend feeding.

9x9 cm gourmet black pot

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with a substrate enriched with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.