Native to South Africa, these clump-forming succulents have similarities with Aloes and are related to the same subfamily. Zebra Plants receive plenty of sun and periods without rainfall in their natural habitat. Their succulent nature enables them to store water within the thick leaves when there is no frequent rainfall.
The main difference between the two species, Haworthiopsis fasciata (formerly Haworthia fasciata) and Haworthiopsis attenuata (formerly Haworthia attenuata), is that H. fasciata has smoother inner leaves, unlike H. attenuata that displays tubercles (warty growths). In addition, H. fasciata is supposedly rarer than H. attenuata and seems to have fatter leaves.
Primarily, they are grown in gardens. However, they are also grown in greenhouses, conservatories, and homes.
Flowering: If the Zebra Plant flowers appear (may not appear indoors), they are small, tubular, white, or pink, growing from a long inflorescence.
Foliage: The Zebra Plants form a rosette of leaves. The leaves are thick and patterned with white zebra-like stripes or tubercles that look like warts. Zebra Plants are clump-forming plants in the wild, so they can be grown with several or as many as you like in one container.
Growing Conditions
Temperature: These succulents prefer temperatures between 65 to 80 °F (8 to 26 °C).
Light: Display Zebra Plants anywhere they can receive sunlight or bright light.
Water: During the growing season, water the Zebra Plants thoroughly and then wait until the soil becomes dry to the touch before watering again. Winter is a tricky time for these plants, although they are a tough species. Many growers will overwater, and then, alongside cold temperatures or drafts, the plant can become very sick or even die. The leaves are storage organs, so water much less during the winter and allow the topsoil to dry out.
Soil: Use a potting mix for succulents that drains wells and provides plenty of air to the small roots. If making your own mix or buying another type, use part potting soil, part perlite, and part sand.
Air Humidity: Normal room humidity will suffice.
Fertilizer: You can feed Zebra Plants with a diluted liquid fertilizer once every month from spring to fall. Do not feed during winter.
Repotting
Once the Zebra Plant outgrows the pot, you can repot it during spring. Only move to a slightly bigger pot.
Propagation
Zebra Plants produce offsets that can be removed from the mother plant and replanted. Water the soil once and then wait to see a small sign of new growth to prevent killing them with overwatering.
Source: houseplantsexpert.com
Links
- Back to genus Haworthiopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus