Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration

Plant of the week: Lifesaver plant

Rebecca Wolken
By

We’re pretty sure we’ve seen this plant in a sci-fi movie, but now we want it in our homes. This little cactus is unique and adorable, and rather creepy! Known best for its Lifesaver candy-shaped flowers, this cactus is ideal for those looking for a plant with limited space. If nothing else, you’re sure to have an excellent conversation starter in your home if you add this cactus to your collection.

Ensure you’re caring for this remarkable little plant the best way you can by reading on about what this plant is and how to best water it, provide it with enough light, feed it, keep it happy with its preferred temperatures, and keep it out of reach of kids and pets.

lifesaver cactus bloom
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is a lifesaver plant?

Native to southern Africa, the lifesaver plant gets its name from the shape of its unusual blooms, which literally look like Lifesaver candy. It’s also known as lifebuoy hernia, little owl eyes, and carrion flower. While these names don’t conjure cute or friendly images, we’re sure you’ll want one as soon as you see one.

Recommended Videos

Although the flowers are cute, we must warn you that they emit a terrible odor that resembles the smell of dead flesh. And unfortunately, unlike other cactus, the lifesaver plant isn’t shy about producing these unique yet pungent flowers. So if the smell bothers you, it might be best to keep it in a room you don’t frequent or outdoors if your climate permits.

Related

It’s great for smaller spaces too, as it only gets about six inches wide and six to eight inches tall.

So the blooms of this plant might take the attention for the most part, but even when not in bloom, this cactus is adorable with light green stems and cute little spikes.

cactus collection
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Care tips for a lifesaver plant

Okay, so either you’re now obsessed with this plant, and you need to have one for yourself, or you’re not interested. If you’re on board, you’re going to want to care for this plant in the best way you can so it doesn’t die. 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 doesn’t like water to sit in its soil or around its roots. Therefore, it’s best to water this plant infrequently and allow the soil to dry out completely in between watering. You’ll want to plant it in well-draining soil, too, so there’s less risk of root rot. We also recommend using a terracotta pot where the water can dry out quickly. When you do water your lifesaver plant, 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 little cactus grows in the shade of other larger cactus. So while it’s like its cousins in the water area, it’s not so fond of full sun. The lifesaver plant would rather have partial shade and might even struggle to stay alive if placed in direct sunlight. If it’s getting too much sun, the green parts of the plant will turn a bright red. It’s almost like it’s getting a sunburn!

Food

As usual with indoor house plants, fertilize the lifesaver plant once a month during the heavy growing seasons of spring and summer, then not at all during the fall and winter.

Temperature

As long as temperatures stay above 50, this little plant can handle it, so the average temperature of a home (65 to 75 degrees) is perfectly safe. Just be sure to bring your cactus indoors if it lives outside during the warmer months.

Toxicity

The lifesaver plant is toxic to both pets and humans, so be sure to keep it out of reach on a high shelf or in a room where pets and kids aren’t allowed.

Maybe you’ve never heard of the lifesaver plant, or perhaps you’ve been tracking one down and you finally got your hand on one; either way, these are the best ways to care for it so it can live its best life. Remember to use well-draining soil, don’t water too much, and avoid direct sunlight.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rebecca Wolken
Rebecca Wolken
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rebecca's has written for Bob Villa and a Cincinnati based remodeling company. When she's not writing about home remodeling…
What fruits have citric acid?
The importance of citric acid for fruits
Lemons and crystalized citric acid on a cutting board

Citric acid is a weak, organic compound found throughout the processed food and beverage industry and in other industrial and consumer goods. Originally isolated from the juice of citrus fruit, it has been used for centuries as a flavor enhancer and food preservative.

Today, it is also used as a preservative in medications and cosmetics, as well as a disinfectant to combat bacteria and viruses. The modern industrial version of citric acid is a synthetic product manufactured through fermentation using the mold species Aspergillus niger. Let's find out which fruits are citric acid fruits.

Read more
Where is the avocado growing zone? Here’s where avocados grow best
Do you live in a region where you can grow delicious avocados?
Hand holding avocado on a tree

The avocado tree was first grown in Mexico and Central America. One of the first records of the plant dates back to writings from the Aztecs, who described the plant's creamy, green flesh and rich, buttery taste. Avocado seeds were even discovered buried deep inside Aztec cities along with other artifacts.

Today, the plant is enjoyed all around the world, but where exactly can it be grown? Long story short, the avocado growing zone consists of hot and humid climates, so don't try to plant one in Siberia. If you want to try harvesting your own delicious avocados, here is what you need to know about where they grow best.

Read more
How to prune houseplants: A complete guide
Your guide to making the perfect cuts
A gardener pruning plants

Pruning your plants, or trimming away their dead and overgrown parts, helps their future growth. Best of all, pruning indoor plants is simple! All you need is a good pair of sanitized gardening shears
or scissors. Under most conditions, as long as you have a general idea of how plants work, pruning your indoor plants won’t cause any harm to them. It’s healthy to do now and again.

Plants benefit from pruning the most during their active growing season, so you’ll want to identify what that is for each plant. Every plant is different. They have their own needs and preferences, and, as such, shouldn’t be assumed to grow at the same time as every other plant. Even so, pruning indoor plants can be a bit different than pruning outdoor bushes and trees, so let’s go over how to prune houseplants properly.

Read more