Haworthiopsis spp.

sixsided haworthias

Asphodelaceae

Southern Africa, chiefly South Africa

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Haworthiopsis spp. is a genus of about 18 species of small, slow-growing succulents in the family Asphodelaceae, split from the related genus Haworthia spp. on the basis of their firm, often dark green leaves. The genus is native to southern Africa, chiefly South Africa, Namibia, and neighbouring countries. Plants form stemless or short-stemmed rosettes 2-8 in (5-20 cm) across of stiff, pointed, triangular leaves, many marked with raised white tubercles that line up into pale bands, as in H. attenuata and H. fasciata, the zebra haworthias. A few species, such as H. coarctata and H. reinwardtii, build up into longer columns of overlapping leaves. Clumps slowly enlarge by offsets around the base. In spring and summer a thin, wiry stalk rises well above the rosette, carrying small tubular white to pale pink flowers. The plants store water in their leaves, tolerate drought, and are widely grown as low-light-tolerant houseplants. They are frost-tender and rot in wet or poorly drained soil.

Native Range

Native to southern Africa, with most species in South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape, and others in Namibia, Eswatini, and Mozambique. The zebra-marked species H. attenuata and H. fasciata come from the Eastern Cape.

Suggested Uses

Grown as compact houseplants and in dish gardens, terrariums, and succulent containers, and as ground-level rosettes in frost-free rock and gravel gardens. The small size suits windowsills and desktops, with plants spaced 3-6 in (8-15 cm) apart in group plantings.

How to Identify

Look for small rosettes of stiff, thick, pointed triangular leaves, usually dark green and often patterned with raised white dots or bands on the outer surface. Some species stay flat and stemless, while others stack their leaves into upright columns. A very thin flower stalk far taller than the rosette, bearing small two-lipped tubular white flowers, helps separate Haworthiopsis spp. from echeverias and other rosette succulents.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 8"

Width/Spread3" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Small tubular white to pale pink flowers open in spring and summer on a slender stalk that stands well above the leaves. Each stalk flowers over a few weeks, opening a few blooms at a time. The patterned leaves persist year-round, while the flowers appear only in the warmer months.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink

Foliage Description

dark green with raised white tubercles or bands

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Across the genus, Haworthiopsis spp. grows in bright, indirect light or part shade in gritty, sharply drained soil, such as a cactus mix, with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5. Strong midday sun can scorch or redden the leaves, while deep shade draws the rosette open and pale. Plants are watered thoroughly when the soil dries and kept much drier in winter, as wet, cold roots rot easily. They are frost-tender and grown indoors or under cover below about 40 F (4 C). Growth is slow, and plants go years between repotting. Offsets are removed to propagate new plants.

Pruning

No pruning is needed. Dried outer leaves and spent flower stalks are pulled or cut away to keep the rosette tidy. Offsets are detached from the base when repotting to control clump size or to grow new plants.