Lifesaver Cactus

The Lifesaver Cactus (Huernia zebrina) is a low-maintenance plant that is actually not a cactus at all, but a member of the milkweed family. This succulent has thick, green stems lined with soft teeth, giving it its cactus-like appearance. The Lifesaver Cactus gets its name from its unique star-shaped blooms, with five zebra-striped petals surrounding a plump rubbery circular center that looks like a Lifesaver candy. This plant’s low water needs and minimal maintenance make it a great windowsill plant or addition to a succulent planter.  Best Locations For Growing Lifesaver Cactus Similar to cacti and succulents, the Lifesaver Cactus thrives in bright light, though it should be protected from intense afternoon light in the summer. Place this plant in a bright kitchen windowsill, add it to a succulent or cactus planter for a different texture, or hang it in a window planter. Like other members of the milkweed family, the Lifesaver Cactus contains latex and is therefore considered toxic. Place it out of reach of children and pets.  Lifesaver Cactus Sunlight Requirements Lifesaver Cactus will do best when placed in bright direct to bright indirect light. These plants can handle a bit of direct sunlight and do well in east- and west-facing windows. In west- and south-facing windows, provide a bit of shade in the afternoon to prevent the stems from burning. When exposed to direct sunlight, the green stems can turn a reddish-brown color. When placed too far from a light source, Lifesaver Cactus tends to stretch, losing its compact shape.  Lifesaver Cactus Care The most common issue that can be encountered with the Lifesaver Cactus is yellowing stems due to improper watering or lighting. This succulent prefers to remain in a small pot, limiting the amount of excess soil surrounding its roots and allowing the plant to dry out in between waterings. The Lifesaver Cactus will need to be repotted rarely, preferring to stay in the same pot for years. If repotting is necessary, choose a pot with drainage holes that is only slightly larger than the previous. Use a cactus soil when repotting.  Watering Lifesaver Cactus The Lifesaver Cactus stores water in its plump green stems, enabling it to go quite some time before needing water. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering deeply until water is coming out the drainage holes and the soil is retaining water. Like other succulents, the Lifesaver’s thick stems will become soft and bendable when the plant is ready for water as it taps into the water stored in its stems. The frequency of water will depend on how much light the Lifesaver Cactus gets, though it will likely need water about once every couple of weeks to a month in the spring and summer. Taper back on watering in the winter as the plant slows its growth. Feeding Lifesaver Cactus The Lifesaver Cactus benefits from fertilizer in the spring and summer months while the plant is actively growing. Once a month, add a liquid cactus or succulent fertilizer into your watering routine, taking care to follow dilution instructions to avoid damaging the plant’s roots. Fertilizing is not necessary in the winter as the plant’s growth rate will be slowed.Lifesaver Cactus Information Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect LightCare Requirements: EasyWatering Requirements: Below Average – Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply.Pet Friendly: NoKid Friendly: NoAir Purifier: ModerateHabit: UprightGrowth Rate: SlowMature Height: 6-8 inchesMature Spread: 6 inchesFlowering: YesFlower Color(s): Brown, RedFlower Shade/Description: Burgundy and Tan Star-Shaped FlowersFragrant: YesFoliage Type: Foliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Deeply GreenTemperature: 50° – 80°F (10° – 27°C)Humidity: Below Average to Average (20% – 60%)Common Name: Lifesaver CactusOther Name(s): Lifesaver CactusScientific Nam…