Scientific Name
Haworthia angustifolia var. altissima M.B.Bayer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia altissima
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The varietal epithet "altissima (al-TISS-ih-muh)" means "most high, highest" and refers to the height of the plant.
Origin
Haworthia angustifolia var. altissima is native to South Africa. It grows well hidden between stones and under shrubs or bushes northwest of Grahamstown around Riebeek East and Alicedale in Eastern Cape province.
Description
Haworthia angustifolia var. altissima is a small, slowly proliferous succulent that forms stemless rosettes of slender, erect leaves with small teeth along the margins and keel. The rosettes can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter, while the leaves can measure up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. The color of the leaves varies from greyish-green and dark green to almost black in full sun.
The white to dull pinkish‑white flowers appear on simple, slender stalks that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia angustifolia var. altissima
Light: Place the potted plant in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day. White, yellow, or red-tinged leaves usually indicate that your H. angustifolia var. altissima receives too much sunlight. Deep shade tends to weaken the plant over a prolonged period. If your plant has spent the winter indoors, gradually move it outdoors into the bright sun to prevent sunburn.
Soil: Like all Haworthias, this plant does not like its roots to remain wet for prolonged periods, so the soil should be well-drained. Use a commercial potting mix for succulents, or make your own.
Hardiness: This succulent likes warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, it does not like being too cold. H. angustifolia var. altissima can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water H. angustifolia var. altissima thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plant less during the winter when its growth slows down significantly. When this plant is mostly dormant during the hottest summer months, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: H. angustifolia var. altissima does not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilization is a good idea. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season.
Repotting: This slow-growing succulent can stay in the same pot for years. To keep your plant healthy and happy, repot H. angustifolia var. altissima into fresh soil every two to three years in spring or fall. Repotting time is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common method of propagating H. angustifolia var. altissima. This plant can also be propagated by leaves and seeds. Remove the offsets when they have started developing their own roots. Sow seeds in spring or fall in a well-draining soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Toxicity of Haworthia angustifolia var. altissima
H. angustifolia var. altissima is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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