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How to Grow Fishnet Stockings

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Fishnet Stockings

Huernia zebrina

succulent

Fishnet Stockings is a striking succulent known for its intricate net-like pattern of deep red or burgundy veining on pale yellow-green skin, resembling fishnet stockings. This low-growing, clump-forming plant produces unique star-shaped flowers with a distinctive appearance. It's a popular ornamental succulent for containers and rock gardens.

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Example Fishnet Stockings timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Fishnet Stockings

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Fishnet Stockings

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Fishnet Stockings dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright indirect light, 4-6 hours of sunlight daily; intense direct sun can fade the striking pattern
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Water: Water sparingly during growing season when soil is completely dry; reduce watering in winter to minimal
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Spacing: 6-8 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental foliage plant
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Planting depth: Plant so the base sits at soil level; do not bury stems

Soil

Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite Coarse sand Pumice

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown indoors or in containers elsewhere

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Propagation

2-3 weeks

Small rooted cuttings or offsets beginning to establish

Keep soil barely moist but not wet; provide bright indirect light; avoid direct sun initially

2

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Plant develops new growth and begins forming characteristic patterned skin

Gradually increase light exposure; maintain minimal watering; ensure excellent drainage

3

Vegetative Growth

Several months

Plant grows outward and upward with increasingly distinct fishnet patterning

Water only when soil is completely dry; fertilize lightly during growing season; rotate for even growth

4

Flowering

6-8 weeks intermittently

Unusual star-shaped flowers appear, typically burgundy, brown, or deep red with textured petals

Maintain regular care schedule; do not overwater even during flowering; flowers may have mild odor

5

Dormancy

Winter months

Plant growth slows significantly, patterns may become more muted

Drastically reduce watering; keep cool (50-60°F if possible); provide bright light without growth pressure

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Echeveria Aloe Jade plant Haworthia Sedum

Avoid planting near:

High-moisture plants Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

  • Isolate infected plant; spray with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil; remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol

  • Increase humidity slightly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation

  • Remove manually with brush; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; inspect regularly

  • Repot in fresh dry soil; trim diseased roots; improve drainage; reduce watering frequency

Uses

🏠

Interior Decoration

Household

Fishnet Stockings serves as a striking accent plant for desks, shelves, and windowsills with its unique net-like patterning and sculptural form. It's particularly valued in succulent collections and modern, minimalist interior designs. [source]

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Container Gardening

Household

Its compact, low-growing habit makes it ideal for small pots, terrariums, and shallow containers. It combines well with other succulents in mixed arrangement displays. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The unusual star-shaped flowers attract pollinators and insects when grown outdoors or near windows. It provides food resources for bees and other beneficial insects during its blooming period. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested; grown entirely as ornamental. Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Propagate by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer and allowing them to dry for 3-5 days before planting in well-draining soil.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The distinctive red or burgundy veining pattern that gives Fishnet Stockings its name becomes more pronounced and vibrant when the plant receives bright light and cooler temperatures
  • 🌱 Huernia zebrina produces flowers with a unique appearance often described as resembling tiny starfish, and some varieties are said to have a faint carrion-like smell to attract specific pollinators in their native habitat
  • 🌱 Despite being a succulent, Fishnet Stockings is more sensitive to overwatering than many other succulents and prefers slightly more humid conditions than drought-tolerant species like echeveria
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