Huernia schneideriana
| Light | Bright, indirect light; a little direct sun is fine, protect from scorching midday sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in growth; let the mix dry between waterings, keep nearly dry in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining, gritty succulent mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warmth-loving; keep above about 10 °C, USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (very easy); also seed |
| Toxicity | Generally regarded as non-toxic; ingesting large amounts of sap may cause mild stomach upset, so keep away from pets and children |
Huernia schneideriana, the red dragon flower, is a clumping, mat-forming stem succulent in the family Apocynaceae, grown for its neat trailing stems and its curious velvety maroon flowers. Its soft green stems trail and spread into low cushions, and in the warmer months they carry small, deep maroon, bell-shaped blooms whose dark, satiny sheen gives the plant its dragon-flower name.
Description
Huernia schneideriana forms low clumps of upright to spreading stems, each roughly finger-thick, sharply angled, and edged with soft, tooth-like tubercles rather than true spines. The stems are a fresh mid-green, often flushing reddish or bronze in strong light, and they root readily where they touch the mix, so a happy plant slowly builds into a dense mat and spills attractively over the pot rim.
The flowers are the main event. They appear along the lower parts of the stems and are small, five-lobed and bell- to cup-shaped, in a rich blackish-maroon with a velvety, almost furred texture. Like many members of the Huernia and wider stapeliad group, the blooms are pollinated by flies and can carry a faint carrion scent up close, though this species is far less pungent than its stronger-smelling relatives.
Distribution and habitat
The species belongs to the stapeliad succulents of eastern and southern Africa, a group native to hot, seasonally dry country where the plants grow tucked among rocks, leaf litter and the shade of low shrubs. In these habitats the trailing stems shelter from the fiercest sun beneath companion vegetation and root opportunistically across gritty, fast-draining ground. As with most long-cultivated Huernia, the plants in the hobby are nursery-raised, and it is a long-established, easy-going favourite among collectors.
Cultivation
Huernia schneideriana is one of the more forgiving stapeliads and a good introduction to the group. Grow it in a very free-draining, gritty mix in a shallow pot or hanging container that shows off the trailing habit. Give it bright light with a touch of shade from harsh midday sun; too little light produces weak, stretched stems, while a little sun brings out attractive reddish tones.
Water moderately while the plant is in active growth, always letting the mix dry out before watering again, and keep it nearly dry and warm through winter to prevent rot. Warmth is the main requirement — it dislikes cold, damp conditions, so keep it above roughly 10 °C and protected from frost. See Watering and Repotting for general technique, and Pests and diseases for routine care.
Propagation
Propagation could hardly be easier. Detach a healthy stem segment, let the cut end callus for a day or two in the shade, then lay or set it on a barely moist, gritty mix; roots form quickly, especially in warm weather. Because the stems root as they trail, established clumps often supply naturally rooted pieces ready to pot on. Seed is also possible where fruit is set, but cuttings are the standard and by far the simplest route. See Propagation — cuttings for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, from overwatering, a slow-draining mix, or cold wet conditions; affected stems turn soft, translucent and blacken. Remove damaged sections and take clean cuttings to save the plant.
- Etiolation — insufficient light makes the stems pale, thin and weak instead of firm and compact.
- Pests — mealybugs lodging between the tubercles and at the stem bases are the most common nuisance; root mealybugs and the occasional aphid on flower buds can also appear. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Huernia — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases