Porcupine Huernia
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Origin
Africa.
Description
Huernia verekeri is a very pretty and widespread tropical, floriferous species with 5- to 7-angled stems closely set with narrow soft teeth. The typical variety is a perennial erect, softly-spiked plant which produces an abundance of star-like flowers developing in succession. Flowers are cream to pinkish on the outside of the tube, inside purple-maroon around the circular rim of the wide shallow mouth of the tube, turning white towards the base, the corona is suborbicular, the inner lobes incumbent on but not as long as the anthers
Environment
Huernias prefer bright light or partial shade. In nature, they grow underneath shrubs or other plants. Too much sun causes stems to develop protective reddish or purple pigmentation and can actually scald the stems. Too little light leads to weak, thin growth with decreased flower production.These plants grow best between 10 and 27 C. Protect them from freezing weather.
Huernias require a potting mix with excellent drainage. A succulent plant mix of 50 percent perlite, 25 percent vermicompost and 25 percent sand helps prevent rotting and over watering. Roots experience die back in cool-season dormancy, so plants grow best in shallow containers that allow the soil to dry out quickly. Using clay pots further helps soil from staying too wet. An underlayment of coarse gravel below the soil mix also improves drainage. In climates with damp cool summers, a layer of gravel between the plant and the soil mix also helps prevent the stems from staying too moist. Outdoor plantings do well in raised beds.
Landscape Use
Suitable for Container, Rock Garden & Xeriscaping
