Lifesaver Plant

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Lifesaver Plant

• ​​Common Name: Lifesaver Plant (other common names: Little Owl Eyes, Owl Eyes, Zebra-stripped Huernia, Huernia, Ceropegia Species)
  
• Scientific Name: Huernia zebrina
  
• Family Name: Apocynaceae
  
• Origin: Southern and East Africa to Arabia
  
• Height: under 6”
  
• Width: spreading
  
• Growth: moderate (if super happy in their environment a bit faster) does not like cold temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
  
• Zone: 10B – 11B
  
• Light Needs: Bright light to Partial Shade (in the wild the grow underneath other plants and shrubs so too much sun can cause the stems to be scalded, too little sun can cause the stems to be weak and less flower production).
  
• Salt Tolerance:  unknown
  
• Soil/PH/Texture: prefers a succulent plant mix of 25 percent peat or organic mulch, 50 percent perlite or pumice, and 25 percent sand to help prevent rot root that can occur from over watering. High-phosphorous, low nitrogen fertilizers can be applied at half-strength once a month during the growing season and none during the dormant season.
  
• Soil Moisture: needs excellent drainage, and in the winter kept dry, once established it requires little water (If grown in a pot it is best in shallow containers that allow the soil to dry out quickly or to have an underlayment of coarse gravel below the soil mix  - If planted outdoors it is good to have them in a raised bed for drainage reasons).
  
• Drought Tolerance: moderate once established
  
• Pests/Diseases: No serious diseases - Mealybugs are the most serious threat to this succulent plant’s health.
  
• Growing Conditions: easy to grow, low maintenance, the biggest concern is overwatering, incorrect lighting or mealybugs.
  
• Characteristics: This succulent creates a mound of four or five-angled, greenish grey uniquely shaped, 4 sided stems with conical teeth (with strong sun can flush red), and the fragrant and beautiful blooms of this plant have a raised red colored ring in the center of their yellow star shaped flower that has bold red zebra stripes, and they bloom around late spring - mid-summer.
  
• Propagation: by leaf or stem cuttings, division, and grafting (this plant has flowers that are sterile and do not set seed, if taking a stem cutting let them callus for a few days before planting.
  
• Wildlife: unknown
  
• Facts: the name comes from the raised brightly colored ring in the center of the star shaped flower that resembles a lifesaver candy.
  
• Designer Considerations: great in rock, succulent, cactus and container gardens, in well drained containers on your patio or deck, but is especially happy sitting on your bright windowsill as a houseplant.