Huernia macrocarpa image • Photo: Author book authors: .mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table{background-color:#f0f0ff;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:95%;text-align:start;color:inherit}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr{vertical-align:top}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>th{background-color:var(--background-color-neutral,#e0e0ee);font-weight:bold;text-align:start;color:inherit}.mw-parser-output .mw-collapsible-toggle-expanded.mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle,.mw-parser-output .mw-collapsible-toggle-expanded .mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle{padding-left:20px!important;background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/MediaWiki_Vector_skin_action_arrow.png");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:left center}.mw-parser-output .mw-collapsible-toggle-collapsed.mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle,.mw-parser-output .mw-collapsible-toggle-collapsed .mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle{padding-left:20px!important;background-repeat:no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table[dir="ltr"] .mw-collapsible-toggle-collapsed.mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle,.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table[dir="ltr"] .mw-collapsible-toggle-collapsed .mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/MediaWiki_Vector_skin_right_arrow.png");background-position:left center}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table[dir="rtl"] .mw-collapsible-toggle-collapsed.mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle,.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table[dir="rtl"] .mw-collapsible-toggle-collapsed .mw-collapsible-arrowtoggle{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/MediaWiki_Vector_skin_left_arrow.png");background-position:right center}@media(max-width:719px){.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table,.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:100%}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody{border-right:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa);border-bottom:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa)}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr{border-top:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa);display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>th{border-left:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa);padding:2px;flex:1 1 100%}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>td{border-left:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa);padding:2px;flex:1 1}}@media(min-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table{border:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa);border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;padding:5px}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>th,.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>td{border:1px solid var(--border-color-base,#aaa);padding:2px}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>.halfwidth{max-width:10em}.mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table>tbody>tr>.fullwidth{max-width:20em}}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table{background-color:#0c0b19}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .commons-creator-table{background-color:#0c0b19}} Karl Moritz Schumann (1851–1904) Alternative names K.Schum.; Karl Schumann; K. M. Schumann; K. Schumann Description German botanist, curator and university teacher Date of birth/death 17 June 1851 22 March 1904 Location of birth/death Görlitz Berlin Authority file : Q63545 VIAF: 72148752178941201459 ISNI: 0000000110353852 LCCN: nr00025437 Botanist: K.Schum. Open Library: OL4617524A WorldCat creator QS:P170,Q63545 Ernst Friedrich Gilg (1867–1933) Alternative names Gilg; Ernest Friedrich Gilg; E. F. Gilg; Ernst Gilg; E. Gilg; E.Gilg Description -German botanist, university teacher and botanical collector Date of birth/death 12 January 1867 11 October 1933 Location of birth/death Schliengen Berlin Work location Berlin Authority file : Q77655 VIAF: 120171113 ISNI: 0000000110862411 LCCN: n82070552 Botanist: Gilg GND: 116624329 WorldCat creator QS:P170,Q77655 K.Schum.; Karl Schumann; K. M. Schumann; K. SchumannGerman botanist, curator and university teacher 17 June 1851 22 March 1904 Görlitz Berlin : Q63545 VIAF: 72148752178941201459 ISNI: 0000000110353852 LCCN: nr00025437 Botanist: K.Schum. Open Library: OL4617524A WorldCat Gilg; Ernest Friedrich Gilg; E. F. Gilg; Ernst Gilg; E. Gilg; E.Gilg-German botanist, university teacher and botanical collector 12 January 1867 11 October 1933 Schliengen Berlin Berlin : Q77655 VIAF: 120171113 ISNI: 0000000110862411 LCCN: n82070552 Botanist: Gilg GND: 116624329 WorldCat• Public domain
Huernia macrocarpa is a striking succulent plant in the Apocynaceae family, closely related to milkweeds. It features fleshy, angular stems with toothed ridges that grow upright or sprawl. The plant produces distinctive dark pink star-shaped flowers with raised central discs (often called 'eyes') that may display contrasting patterns. While described as reaching 5-6 meters in ideal wild conditions, it typically remains much smaller (15-30 cm) when cultivated as a potted houseplant.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Huernia macrocarpa
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter (allow soil to dry completely between waterings)
Humidity Needs
low humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
15-27°C (60-80°F); protect from frost
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Very well-draining cactus/succulent mix with added perlite or pumice
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Huernia macrocarpa plants
Stem cuttings (allow cut end to callus 2-3 days before planting) or division of offsets
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
slow
Up to 30 cm tall as potted specimen (reported to 5-6 meters in wild)
perennial
Pet safety unknown
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Late spring through fall
Flower Description
5-pointed star-shaped flowers (3-4 cm diameter) in dark pink with maroon mottling, featuring a prominent raised central disc with textured 'eye' patterns
Fun Fact
The flowers' foul odor attracts fly pollinators, though it's less noticeable indoors compared to other carrion flowers
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Huernia macrocarpa
Yellowing stems, soft mushy base, foul-smelling soil
White cottony masses in stem crevices, sticky residue
Brown crispy patches on stems
Community Tips
Advice shared by other plant enthusiasts
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Huernia macrocarpa
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Flowering Plants Plants Care Guide
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