Huernia thurettii

Synonyms

Huernia primulina

Cactus Succulent

A clump-forming succulent producing 4- or 5-angled, grey-green stems to 6cm long, edged with conical spines. In late summer it bears succulent yellow flowers marked with burgundy dots and stripes; these emerge from star-shaped buds. Huernia flowers have an unpleasant smell to attract pollinating flies

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Apocynaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Huernia are a genus of perennial stem succulents native to Southern Africa and Arabia with green, thick and fleshy, often spiny stems and bell or funnel-shaped red, yellow or brown flowers
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: S. Africa (Eastern Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost with added leaf mould in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water moderately and apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; keep almost dry in winter

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in spring; root stem section cuttings in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Sub-tropical
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem rot if overwatered