Synonyms:

No synonyms are recorded for this species name.

Habitat:

Huernia mccoy is a nursery cultivar and thus doesn’t exist in nature.

Description:

Huernia mccoy stands out as a remarkable succulent with its marbled crimson and ash-green stems. These clustered stems can attain heights of about 7 cm. The plant boasts distinctive wide-unfolding bell-shaped blossoms, measuring roughly 40 mm in diameter.
Huernia mccoy is characterized by a bunch of erect, finger-shaped stems, with pronounced hooks on them. Some of the stems possue ribs and are neatly divided into poligonal tubercles, on the center of which steands the pronounced hook; other, instead, are devoid of the ribs and present the hooks aligned into vertical lines. In any case, the points of the hooks are orange-brownish. Typically, the stems measure between 3-6 cm in length and around 1 cm in width. The flowers, as all flowers of Huernias, are noteworthy: they are divided into 5, pointed lobes, connecting to each other thtough a perfectly half-moon shaped edge, creating a star-shaped flower. Like all Huernia flowers, blooms of Huerna maccoy have an unpleasant shent of carrion, to attract their pollinators, usually flies. Another distinctive feature of the flowers is their colour pattern, characterized of a fine speckling of purple red over a white background. The red dots might be proper dots or thin lines, so precise in their geometric pattern that the flower seem printed or painted. The central part of the flower, hosted in a depression, is painted in black and contains the reproductive organs.

Cultivation:

Huernia mccoy is a self-reliant bloomer once it matures. During its active growth phase, consistent watering, especially in warmer climates, encourages profuse flowering. However, in the winter season, it’s wise to cut back on watering, especially if temperatures plummet. It’s vital to prevent the plant from becoming overly damp in colder spells. Providing ample light at around 5°C simplifies winter care.
Due to its shallow root system, it’s best to use a well-draining soil mixture, like cactus mix, or enrich regular potting soil with extra perlite or pumice. This ensures efficient drainage of excess water. Opting for clay pots further helps prevent overwatering by promoting faster drying between waterings.
In terms of sunlight, Huernia mccoy thrives in partial sun or light shade.
While generally robust against pests and diseases, Huernias may be vulnerable to stem and root mealy bugs, which can potentially lead to fungal issues. If such problems arise, promptly isolate healthy segments, allow them to dry, and then attempt re-rooting in moist compost.
For optimal growth, consider repotting every two years.
In summary, Huernia mccoy is a resilient and captivating succulent. With proper attention to watering, soil, and light conditions, it can flourish and enchant you with its unique and captivating blooms.

Propagation:

The most straightforward method for propagation of Huernia mccoy is by using stem cuttings. After cutting, it’s advisable to let them air-dry for a day before planting. Lay the stems gently on gritty compost without burying them, and roots will naturally develop from the underside. Alternatively, propagation from seeds is viable by sowing them in a blend of moist, sandy peat moss during the spring season.

Curiosity:

The botanical name Huernias pays tribute to Justin Heurnius (1587–1652), a revered Dutch missionary known for his pioneering efforts in collecting plants indigenous to the South African Cape. A notable hallmark of the Huernia genus is the characteristic odor of its blooms, often resembling the scent of carrion. This distinctive fragrance serves the purpose of luring specific pollinators, including flies and other insects known for feeding on decaying matter.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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