I am having some troubles here identifying this one. It is Huernia, that's for sure. But thanks to my completely messed up notes and bleached tags I can't figure out which one it is. I believe it is loeseneriana, but it might as well not be. If someone can give me a correct name, or confirm this one, I will appreciate it!
Huernia loeseneriana
It is not the time now for it to bloom. This one bloomed for me for the first time in July, but I completely forgot about the photos! And today, on the shortest day of the year, it is nice to look at those summer bloomers. Isn't it?
This is a succulent plant native to south Africa. It will not grow much taller than the few cm, but it will spread. This one is also my favourite one, if it comes to the shape of the plant. It So far it stays very compact without any long, branching stems hanging from the pot. This is how I like them.
It likes partial shade as the strong summer sun can burn the stems. In nature it will often grow from between rocks or under bushes that will give enough protection.
Propagating couldn't be any easier! Just pick one of the grown stems, let the wound dry for a few days and stick in a soil. No need to water it straight away. Wait for the roots first. I grew this one like that. After it starts to grow it will produce more and more stems every year.
You can also try growing them from seed. I was hoping to see some seed pods on any of my Huernias, as they look pretty cool, but not this year I guess.
The care is pretty much like a cactus care. Enough water in spring and summer to grow and bloom and then drier in the fall to completely dry in winter when the temperature drops. Keeping it wet and cool during the winter months will cause rot, and I know that from my own experience unfortunately.
Keeping it in a shallow pot with very well draining mix (again, just like the one for cacti in my case), will keep them happy.
As you can see the flowers are not very big, but damn they stink like decomposing flesh. All to attract flies as they are they pollinators.
Why do I grow them then? Well.. cause they are cute with the shape and pattern. And they are relatively easy to grow.
At the same time I had another Huernia in bloom (you can check a full post about that one here). Slightly larger and darker flowers (same nasty smell).
I still prefer the one from todays post, the one on the right. Cute little flowers and very massive stems. Which one do you prefer?
BONUS
Some unwanted guests ;)
Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.
