Huernia macrocarpa - Carrion Flower

These distinctive succulents stand out with their horizontally-spreading branches, mid-green spiny stems and the slight purple tint towards the tips of the stems. It is, however, the summer flowers that make them stand out the most. These trumpet-shaped, maroon or burgundy blooms really are the showstopping element of this plant. Just make sure your succulent has plenty of light and not too much water, and it will love its new home. And don't be deterred by the rumours - yes, the flower smells, but it is not that strong indoors and is more than worth it for the beauty of the plant and its standout blooms.

Scientific Name
Huernia macrocarpa (Heurnius' large-fruited plant)

Synonyms: Stapelia macrocarpa

Originally classified as a Stapelia in 1850, this plant was reclassified following further research in 1892 and has kept the same classification as Huernia macrocarpa ever since.

Common Name(s)
Carrion Flower, Dragon Flower, Starfish Flower, Large-Fruit Huernia

Origin
Native to Northeast Africa and the Arabian Gulf, this plant is found in desert or dry shrubland areas in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light with just a splash of sun. Strong direct sunlight can scorch its stems, so it’s best placed near an east- or west-facing window indoors. 

Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water sparingly, especially during winter when the plant won't be growing. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has proper drainage.

Humidity
Make sure you don't keep this plant anywhere too damp; it thrives in low humidity and dry environments.

Soil
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil; a mix with added sand or grit will work well. Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Repot every few years as the plant grows; you'll know it's ready to repot when the roots are crowding the pot.

Food
Feed once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted cactus or succulent fertiliser. Feeding is unnecessary in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Ideal temperatures are between 18-26°C. Protect from frost and avoid exposure to temperatures below 10°C.

Pet-safe
Yes, this plant is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with animals.

Sprouts Top Tips
A big risk for this plant is giving it too much water; make sure the soil has totally dried out before you water again and this will help keep it happy!
The stems should droop a little, so don't worry if they are not upright. They will look best on a shelf or in a hanging pot where their dangly stems can be shown off.

Extras
The flowers of Huernia macrocarpa emit a faint scent similar to carrion, which helps attract pollinating flies. The scent is mild indoors, though, so don't be put off!

Did You Know?
The genus Huernia was named by Robert Brown in honour of Dutch missionary Justin Heurnius, the first known collector of Cape of Good Hope plants. It was Brown who originated the misspelling of his name, and it stuck.