Light: Lifesaver plants can tolerate a broad spectrum of lighting, but grow and flower best in bright, indirect lighting.

Temperature: 60-80 F

Humidity: low

Water: Water when the top 2-4” of potting mix feels dry. You may only need to water 1-2 times each month (in winter even less). More frequent watering in the summer helps encourage faster growth (only if the plant is in a bright spot).

Repotting: Repot as necessary every 2-3 years. Rather than using a “cactus and succulent” potting mix that has no water retention, I encourage the use of fresh general purpose mix in combination with a sparing watering routine.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per year. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Huernia is in the Apocynaceae family which also houses another favorite—hoya!

It also houses a favorite native—milkweed (Asclepias)—which is pretty shocking considering the difference in flower appearance.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Mealybugs

• Breakable stems at the joint

• Stretch from low light levels

Is lifesaver plant pet safe?

Well… yes and no. Lifesaver plant has latex sap running through its tissues. If a human or animal has a latex allergy, it can cause rash, drooling and digestive struggles if latex touches skin or is ingested.