€26,50

🌱 Morphology

   A clone with variation mutation. A succulent perennial of low and clumping growth, highly prized for the uniqueness of its variegated stems. These are fleshy, branched, with a quadrangular or pentagonal cross-section and small conical tubercles that form teeth along the edges. The coloration combines gray-green with irregular patches of yellow cream, which in some specimens acquire pinkish hues. The proportion of yellow tissue varies from one stem to another, which is why each plant presents a different pattern. The stems can reach about 12 cm in length and form extended clumps.

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

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family

The species Huernia zebrina is native to southern Africa, with presence in Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and several provinces in northern and eastern South Africa. It grows in open scrubland areas and warm and dry environments, where it grows among rocks and on hard soils, often calcareous or clayey. The variegated form is a horticultural selection prized for its ornamental stems, not a distinct wild population. The lower amount of chlorophyll in the yellow areas makes it advisable to protect it from intense sunlight.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 10b

It tolerates minimum temperatures of approximately 1.7 °C as a climatic reference for the USDA 10b zone, although it does not represent a guarantee of survival. It is sensitive to frost and damp cold; it is advisable to grow it protected when temperatures approach 8–10 °C, especially if the growing medium remains wet.

☀️ Lighting

It needs plenty of light to maintain compact growth and promote flowering. It is recommended to use intense filtered light or bright partial shade, with a gradual acclimatization to soft morning sun. Strong midday sun should be avoided, especially in summer, because it can burn the variegated tissues and damage the areas with lower chlorophyll content. As a cultivation reference, you can aim for an approximate DLI PAR of 12–20 mol/m²/day, adjusting it according to the plant's response.

💧 Growth and watering cycle

Winter dormancy. Its growth is concentrated mainly during warm periods, when it has adequate light and temperatures. It is recommended to water thoroughly and allow the growing medium to dry completely before watering again. During winter, watering should be considerably reduced, especially if the plant remains in a cool environment. The combination of low temperatures, persistent dampness, and poor ventilation promotes the rotting of the roots and the base of the stems.

🌸 Flowering

Under favorable conditions, it produces star-shaped flowers about 3.5–5 cm in diameter, usually during the warm months and towards the end of summer. The corolla has a cream or pale yellow base, marked by transverse bands of dark red, maroon, or purple. In the center stands out a raised, thick, and shiny ring of a wine-red hue, reminiscent of a small wheel or target. As is the case with many stapeliads, the flowers can release an unpleasant scent that attracts pollinating flies.

🌿 Nutrition

It is recommended Desert CHOICE® Suculentas, applied during the active growth period and following the dosage indicated for the product. Moderate nutrition helps to keep the stems firm without stimulating excessively soft growth. During winter dormancy, it is recommended to reduce or suspend fertilizing.

Gourmet black pot, 9x9 cm

This is an inimitable xerophytic plant grown in Madrid in a technological square pot with a growing medium activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

• Hassle-free returns

• Free Shipping on orders over €79.99

• Secure and protected payment guaranteed.