{"product_id":"huernia-macrocarpa","title":"Huernia macrocarpa - Carrion Flower","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eHuernia macrocarpa \u003c\/i\u003e(Heurnius' large-fruited plant)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eStapelia macrocarpa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOriginally classified as a \u003cem\u003eStapelia\u003c\/em\u003e in 1850, this plant was reclassified following further research in 1892 and has kept the same classification as \u003cem\u003eHuernia macrocarpa\u003c\/em\u003e ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eCarrion Flower, Dragon Flower, Starfish Flower, Large-Fruit Huernia\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative 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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAllow 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eMake sure you don't keep this plant anywhere too damp; it thrives in low humidity and dry environments.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIdeal temperatures are between 18-26°C. Protect from frost and avoid exposure to temperatures below 10°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes, this plant is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with animals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eA 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!\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 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!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe genus \u003cem\u003eHuernia\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8.5cm","offer_id":55163175108989,"sku":"7611239647371","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/huernia-macrocarpa-carrion-flower-388312.jpg?v=1737424366","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/huernia-macrocarpa","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}