We ’re pretty certain we ’ve seen this industrial plant in a sci - fi moving-picture show , but now we want it in our household . This little cactus is unique and lovely , and rather creepy ! know best for its Lifesaver candy - shaped flowers , this cactus is idealistic for those looking for a flora with limited place . If nothing else , you ’re trusted to have an excellent conversation starter motor in your home if you add up this cactus to your collection .
see to it you ’re caring for this remarkable short plant the in force fashion you’re able to by reading on about what this works is and how to best piddle it , supply it with enough light , feed it , keep it happy with its preferred temperature , and keep it out of compass of kids and pets .
What is a lifesaver plant?
Native to southern Africa , the lifesaver plant go its name from the shape of its strange prime , which literally look like Lifesaver confect . It ’s also known as lifebuoy herniation , little owl optic , and carrion flower . While these names do n’t entreat precious or friendly image , we ’re sure you ’ll want one as soon as you see one .
Although the flowers are cute , we must admonish you that they breathe a terrible smell that resembles the smell of dead material body . And unfortunately , unlikeother cactus , the lifesaver works is n’t shy about bring forth these unequaled yet pungent flower . So if the smell disoblige you , it might be proficient to keep it in a way you do n’t frequent or alfresco if your climate permit .
It ’s great for smaller spaces too , as it only gets about six column inch wide and six to eight inches marvellous .
So the flush of this plant might take the tending for the most part , but even when not in bloom , this cactus is lovely with light green stem and cute piffling spike .
Care tips for a lifesaver plant
Okay , so either you ’re now obsess with this plant , and you need to have one for yourself , or you ’re not concerned . If you ’re on table , you ’re going to want to handle for this plant in the good way you’re able to so it does n’t croak . Below are the tips we ’ve found that keep a lifesaver plant happy , healthy , and eagerly pushing out more flowers .
Water
This plant is a cactus , and like all cacti , it does n’t like water supply to sit in its stain or around its root . Therefore , it ’s sound to irrigate this flora infrequently and permit the grunge to dry out out totally in between lacrimation . You ’ll need to institute it in well - draining dirt , too , so there ’s less risk of root rotting . We also advocate using a terracotta commode where the piss can dry out out quickly . When you do water your lifesaver plant life , you ’ll want to do it thoroughly . Let the water completely drain through and wait for it to stop draining before placing it back on its saucer .
Light
In its natural habitat , this picayune cactus grows in the shade of other larger cactus . So while it ’s like its cousins in the water arena , it ’s not so fond of full sun . The lifesaver industrial plant would rather have partial tone and might even contend to persist alive if placed in direct sunlight . If it ’s getting too much sun , the greenish parts of the works will bend a bright loss . It ’s almost like it ’s make a suntan !
Food
As usual with indoor theater plant life , inseminate the lifesaver plant once a calendar month during the enceinte growing seasons of spring and summertime , then not at all during the declination and winter .
Temperature
As long as temperature remain above 50 , this small plant can deal it , so the mean temperature of a home ( 65 to 75 degrees ) is perfectly dependable . Just be sure to bring your cactus indoors if it lives outside during the warmer months .
Toxicity
The lifesaver plant life is toxic to both pets and humankind , so be certain to keep it out of reach on a high shelf or in a way where deary and child are n’t allowed .
Maybe you ’ve never see of the lifeguard plant , or perhaps you ’ve been track one down and you finally got your manus on one ; either fashion , these are the best way of life to care for it so it can live its best life . Remember to use well - draining grease , do n’t water too much , and avoid unmediated sunlight .
