Here is a complete guide to get hold of care of your Lifesaver Cactus . The Lifesaver Cactus , officially known as Huernia zebrina , is a favorite among succulent fans because to its centre - catching look and low maintenance requirements .
Everything you need to have intercourse to keep your Lifesaver Cactus intelligent and vivacious will be breed in this comprehensive guide , from propagation method and frequent problem to ideal development condition . Come along as we go down out to discover the mysteries ofcaring for this fascinating plant .
About Lifesaver Cactus
The Lifesaver Cactus , also known as the Lifebuoy Huernia , small Owl Eyes , Owl Eyes , Zebra - Striped Huernia , or Carrion Flower , has the botanical name Huernia zebrina . Belonging to the Apocynaceae crime syndicate , this perennial plant exhibits a compact development riding habit , reaching about 6 inches wide and 6 to 8 column inch tall at maturity .
Thriving in environments with full sun to partial shade vulnerability , the Lifesaver Cactus favour to be engraft in a cactus potting mix , reflecting its adaptation to arid condition . It favors acidic soil , with a pH level conducive to its growth essential .
During the spring and summer months , this unique plant blooms with prominent ointment - colored and redflowers , summate a splash of color to its surroundings . start from Southern Africa , the Lifesaver Cactus is native to this part and thrives in climates corresponding to USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11 .
With its classifiable appearance and manageable size , the Lifesaver Cactus take a shit an excellent addition to succulent gardens , rockeries , or as a potted specimen , enrapture gardeners with its magic blooms and intriguing leaf .
Characteristics of Lifesaver Cactus Flower
The blooms of Lifesaver plant are truly remarkable , feature star - corresponding shapes with five points grace with zebra stripes and a inspissate center reminiscent of a root beer - season Lifesaver confect . Besides , these flower exhibit intriguing four - sided stems with soft teeth along the edges .
However , it ’s authoritative to note a clear-cut aspect : the Lifesaver Cactus Flower , liberally produce from later spring through summer , emits a potent odor . While unpleasant to the human nose , this scent is nature ’s design to pull pollinators . Often likened to the smell of carrion , the decaying pulp of utter brute , it ’s no wonder this blossom has earn the alternative moniker , carrion flower .
Lifesaver Cactus Care
The Lifesaver Cactus is an excellent choice for indoor gardening , particularly suited for compact living spaces . Its emergence can be easily control by the size of it of the mess , making it complete for lowly areas or even dish gardens . Keycare instructionsinclude using well - drain grime , placing it in partial nuance to prevent tan , and water only when the soil is dry to the touching , insure optimal growth and health .
Light
Lifesaver Cactus fly high when provided with the appropriate amount of light , reflecting its raw habitat as an understory flora in southern Africa .
For optimal outgrowth , direct the works near an eastern- or westerly - face window to ensure it receives fond shade . Exposure to take high noon Dominicus and excessive hotness , distinctive of a southerly exposure , can cause tenseness and increase susceptibility to disease .
The amount of light affects the coming into court of the plant ’s thick , angular stems with soft spikes . In humble light conditions , these stalk remain deep light-green , while exposure to strong sunlight results in a reddish hue . Adjusting light levels accordingly can help maintain the health and vibrancy of the plant .
Soil
choose the appropriate soil is essential for the successful cultivation of Lifesaver Cactus . It ’s imperative that both the stain and the pot declare oneself splendid drain .
Opt for unglazed pots as they ease the evaporation of excess wet , preventing waterlogging .
For the soil , use a specialised cactus or succulent potting mix . These mixes typically contain a portmanteau of inorganic components like grit and perlite , along with constitutional matter , ensuring fast drainage and optimalgrowing conditions for the industrial plant .
Water
alike to other succulent , right watering is essential for the Lifesaver Cactus as it prefer minimum wet .
Throughout the arise season , typically from April or May through the summer , it ’s crucial to water the plant when the top inch of filth feels teetotal to the touch modality . ascertain slow lachrymation until water drains out of the bottom of the gage , then promptly discard any excess water from the saucer . hold off until the soil dry out again before watering , particularly during raging summertime days when wet evaporate quickly .
During the winter , the flora enters a dormant phase angle and command minimal watering , typically once a month or as need to prevent pure soil dryness .
Temperature and Humidity
While the Lifesaver Cactus is sensitive to frost , it can be safely relocate to your patio or porch during the summer season . However , it ’s essential to see to it that it ’s place in a location sheltered from the intense midday sunlight to prevent tan . Additionally , keep in mind that outdoor precondition may cause the soil to dry out more rapidly , necessitating adjustments to your watering schedule to maintain optimal moisture levels .
Fertilizer
Once you begin irrigate the flora more frequently in spring at the onset of the grow time of year , it ’s advisable to fertilize it monthly . you could opt for either a specialized liquidsucculent plantfood or a consummate grainy fertiliser , applying half the recommend dosage point on the product label .
obviate add any additional fertilizer begin from tardy August as the works begins to enter dormancy . This cessation ensures that the plant can by nature transition into its dormant phase without excess nutrient stimulation .
Diseases And Pests
mealybug are a common plague that can affect the Lifesaver Cactus . to boot , solution rot and root word rot may come about , especially when the plant is under stress , such as from overwatering .
Stem rot typically appear as soft , obscure spots on the industrial plant . If you note any pretend expanse , it ’s important to promptly remove them using a discriminating sword . Between each cut , ensure to desexualize the steel by clean it with a resolution consisting of 10 % bleach diluted with nine parts H2O . This precaution helps foreclose the bedcover of the disease to levelheaded parts of the plant .
Propagating Lifesaver Cactus
During the growing season , propagating Lifesaver Cactus is straightforward . start by cutting a theme piece and allow it to dry on a paper towel . Once calloused , implant it in unfermented potting land , disperse the low portion with root hormone if desired . Maintain slimly moist dirt by thinly spraying with piss . When new growth appears , it signals successful rooting , and you could resume regular tearing . This simple process allows for easy expansion of your cactus collection .
Potting and RepottingLifesaver Cactus
repot the Lifesaver Cactus is rarely necessary as it thrives in slightly crowded condition , maintain a tight , compact variety . Typically , filth replacement every two years suffices to ensure its well - being . However , retaining the same mess is often feasible , promoting stableness and minimizing hoo-hah to the plant ’s etymon organization . This lowly - maintenance approach to potting permit the Lifesaver Cactus to flourish while simplifyingcare for plantenthusiasts .
Common Problems of Lifesaver Cactus
Yellowing Leaves : If you discover yellow or browned leaves on your Lifesaver Cactus , it could be a augury of too much direct sunlight . To prevent foliage discoloration , consider point the works in fond shade or indirect visible light .
wilt leave-taking : Drooping folio often indicate overwatering . To remedy this issue , allow the grunge to dry out out between waterings . annul waterlogged weather , as they can precede to root word rot and insalubrious foliage .
