Haworthiopsis, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
sixsided haworthias
Southern Africa, chiefly South Africa
Overview
Haworthiopsis is a genus of about 18 species of small, slow-growing succulents in the family Asphodelaceae, split from the related genus Haworthia 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 8"
Width/Spread3" - 8"
Bloom Information
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 pinkFoliage Description
dark green with raised white tubercles or bandsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Needs bright indirect light. Keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
• Bright indirect light: a bright spot near a window, with no direct sun on the leaves
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Across the genus, Haworthiopsis 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.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
