If you’re looking for a succulent that’s truly out of the ordinary, meet the Huernia schneideriana. This striking star-shaped succulent is sure to become a conversation piece in your collection with its unique form and fascinating flowers.
Often called the “Red Dragon Flower,” it’s a stapeliad, related to milkweeds and Hoya. Unlike many succulents grown for their foliage, this one is prized for its dramatic blooms. It’s a fairly easy plant to care for, making it perfect for intermediate growers ready for something special.
Huernia Schneideriana
This plant features distinctive, upright to sprawling green stems. They are four-angled or square-shaped with soft teeth along the edges, looking a bit like a cactus but without the sharp spines. The stems themselves are attractive, forming a low clump over time.
But the real show starts in the warmer months. The plant produces buds that open into star-shaped flowers. They are a deep, velvety maroon-red with a slightly wrinkled texture and a pale yellow center. The blooms have a unique appearance that some compare to a marine starfish.
Origin and Natural Habitat
Huernia schneideriana hails from Eastern Africa, found in countries like Tanzania and Malawi. In the wild, it often grows in sheltered spots among rocks or under the light shade of shrubs. This gives us big clues about how to care for it at home.
Its native environment means it prefers:
- Bright, but filtered light (not harsh, direct desert sun all day).
- Excellent drainage in its soil.
- A distinct period of warmer, moister growth followed by a cooler, drier rest.
Perfect Placement and Light Needs
Getting the light right is crucial for a healthy plant that flowers. Too much direct sun can scorch the stems, turning them an ugly purple or brown. Too little light causes weak, stretched growth and no blooms.
Follow these guidelines for best results:
- Ideal Spot: An east-facing window is perfect. A west-facing window can work if filtered by a sheer curtain. A south window needs some shading during the hottest part of the day.
- Outdoors: In summer, place it in dappled shade, like under a patio table or a tree. Never in full, blazing afternoon sun.
- Signs of Good Light: The stems maintain a healthy green or slightly reddish tint and grow compactly.
Watering: The Most Critical Skill
Overwatering is the fastest way to lose a Huernia. Their roots are fine and susceptible to rot. The goal is to mimic the brief downpours of their natural habitat, followed by a thorough drying out.
Here is a simple seasonal watering plan:
- Spring & Summer (Growth Season): Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. Stick your finger in the pot. If it’s dry an inch down, it’s time. Then, water until it runs out the drainage hole. Empty the saucer afterwards.
- Fall & Winter (Rest Season): Reduce watering significantly. Let the soil stay dry for much longer, sometimes for a few weeks between small drinks. The stems may soften slightly, which is normal.
Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to underwater. A thirsty plant recovers quickly; a rotted one often does not.
Soil and Potting Requirements
Standard cactus soil from the store is often still too moisture-retentive. You need a gritty, airy mix that drains in seconds.
You can make a perfect mix yourself with:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part coarse perlite
- 1 part pumice or small gravel
Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta clay pots are excellent because they breathe and help soil dry faster. Repot only every 2-3 years, as they like to be slightly root-bound.
Fertilizing for Fantastic Flowers
Feeding is simple. During the active growing season (spring and summer), you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. But dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle.
Apply it once a month at most. Do not fertilize at all during the fall and winter rest period. The plant isn’t growing then and won’t use the nutrients, which can actually harm the roots.
Propagating Your Plant
Sharing this unique plant with friends is easy. Propagation is typically done by stem cuttings, and it’s a fun project.
- Choose a healthy stem and cut a piece about 3-4 inches long with a clean, sharp knife.
- Let the cutting dry (callus over) in a shady spot for 2-3 days. This prevents rot when you plant it.
- Place the callused cutting on top of your gritty soil mix. You can lightly press the base into the soil, but don’t bury it deeply.
- Wait to water for about a week, then moisten the soil lightly. Roots should begin to form in a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to fix common problems.
Yellowing or Mushy Stems
This is almost always a sign of overwatering or soil that stays wet too long. Stop watering immediately. Check the roots. If they are brown and soft, cut away the rot, let the plant dry, and repot in fresh, dry, gritty mix. You may need to take healthy stem cuttings to save the plant.
Stems Stretching and Turning Pale
Your plant needs more light. Gradually move it to a brighter location to avoid shocking it. The new growth will become more compact, but the stretched part won’t shrink back.
No Flowers
This can be due to several factors. The most common are not enough bright (but indirect) light, lack of a proper winter rest period with less water, or the plant is too young. Mature, well-cared-for plants in enough light will typically bloom.
Pests to Watch For
Mealybugs are the main nuisance. They look like tiny bits of white cotton in the stem crevices. Treat them by dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution, applied carefully.
FAQ About the Red Dragon Flower
Is Huernia schneideriana toxic to pets?
While not considered highly toxic, it’s sap can be a mild irritant. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs to avoid any potential stomach upset.
Why does my Huernia smell funny?
The flowers of many stapeliads, including some Huernias, have a scent that attracts their fly pollinators. Huernia schneideriana’s scent is usually not very strong to humans, but some related plants smell like rotting meat. Luckily, this species is not known for being particularly foul.
How often should I expect flowers?
With good care, a mature plant can flower several times throughout the late spring, summer, and early fall. Each flower lasts for a few days to a week.
Can I grow it outdoors year-round?
Only if you live in a very mild climate (USDA zones 10-11). It cannot tolerate any frost. For most people, it’s best as a container plant that comes indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
What’s the difference between Huernia and Stapelia?
They are very close cousins in the same plant family. The differences are often technical, relating to flower structure. Generally, Huernia flowers tend to be smaller and more bell or star-shaped, while Stapelia flowers are often larger and flatter.
Adding a Huernia schneideriana to your space brings a touch of the exotic. Its sculptural stems and otherworldly flowers are a fantastic reward for providing just a few simple needs. Pay attention to light and water, and you’ll enjoy this striking star-shaped succulent for many years. Watching it bloom is a truly special moment for any plant lover.