Huernia Zebrina Lifesaver Plant
The flowers of this plant look like they come right out of a fantasy movie: a corolla consisting of zebra-striped red and cream-colored petals with a raised, glossy, rubber-like burgundy ring in the center called the annulus. This gave the houseplant its common name, lifesaver plant or lifebuoy plant.
An eastern- or western-facing window that provides partial shade is best. Southern exposure with midday sun and extreme heat will stress the plant and make it susceptible to disease.
Depending on the amount of light, the thick, angular stems with soft spikes are deep green in low light and turn red in strong sunlight.
Both the soil and the pot need excellent drainage.
During the growing season, starting in April or May and throughout the summer, it needs watering when the soil feels dry when you put your finger into the top inch. Water slowly until water runs out of the drainage hole, and empty the saucer so no water remains. Only water again when the soil has dried out again. On hot summer days, this can happen fast so check the soil regularly.
During the winter, the plant goes dormant and needs almost no water, about once a month.