Grow Light for Huernia: Lifesaver Plant Blooms Under Lights
A grow light for huernia helps the lifesaver plant flower in a room that lacks a bright window. It is a stem succulent from southern Africa related to stapelia.
The short answer
Give huernia bright light without harsh midday sun. An east or west window works. A grow light within 12 inches for 12 to 16 hours can fill in. Water when the soil is dry in spring and summer. Give it about one watering a month in winter.
How much light does huernia need?
The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society says stems stay deep green in lower light and turn reddish in full sun. Its author moved a plant from all day sun to morning and afternoon sun with midday shade and it grew well. Inside it suggests an east or west window.
An east window gives bright light without harsh sun and midday shade avoids heat stress. A grow light fills in a dim room.
How do you set up a grow light?
Minnesota Extension uses cool white or daylight tubes 6 to 12 inches over succulents for 14 to 16 hours. Iowa State prefers a timer, with an LED or fluorescent light within 12 inches for 12 to 16 hours. Minnesota Extension’s lighting page sets flowering houseplants 6 to 12 inches below an LED, which does not produce too much heat.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LED panel | Low heat | Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, UMN Extension |
| Fluorescent tube | 6 to 12 inches above the plants | Cacti and succulents, UMN Extension (houseplants) |
| Timer | Runs 12 to 16 hours each day | Common Problems and Issues of Succulents, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden |
How do you get more lifesaver flowers?
The Henry Shaw society says flowers appear from late spring to late fall and last about a week. It names overwatering as a main cause of failure. University of Arizona Extension gives similar advice for stapelia in the same family.
An unglazed pot lets extra water evaporate. In winter water about once a month. Cuttings root easily and flower soon.
Troubleshooting
Pale stretched growth: low light. Move the light down or extend the timer.
Brown or tan patches: light rose too fast. Raise the lamp and adjust slowly.
Soft yellow growth: overwatering. Water less and let the mix dry out.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis and led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers for timer setups. Browse cannabis seeds for our seed range.
Sources
- Huernia (2017), Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society
- Backyard Gardener #186 Stapelia Plant, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Cacti and succulents, UMN Extension (houseplants)
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, UMN Extension
- Common Problems and Issues of Succulents, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden
FAQ
What is a lifesaver plant?
Huernia zebrina. The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society says the raised red ring in the flower looks like Life Saver candy.
How many hours of light does it need?
Iowa State suggests 12 to 16 hours a day for succulents under grow lights.
When does huernia flower?
The Henry Shaw society lists flowers from late spring to late fall. Each one lasts about a week.
Can huernia grow in a hanging pot?
Yes. The Henry Shaw author grew one hanging in a greenhouse and moved it out of all day sun.
How cold can huernia get?
The Henry Shaw society says to bring it indoors when temperatures drop to 50°F.
