Scientific Name
Haworthia angustifolia var. baylissii (C.L.Scott) M.B.Bayer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia angustifolia f. baylissii, Haworthia baylissii, Haworthia chloracantha subsp. baylissii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The varietal epithet "baylissii (bay-LIS-see-eye)" honors Roy Douglas Abbot Bayliss (1909-1994), a British military officer, businessman, and collector for the Botanical Research Institute in Pretoria, South Africa.
Origin
Haworthia angustifolia var. baylissii is native to South Africa. It is restricted to an area on the Zuurberg mountains in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Haworthia angustifolia var. baylissii, also known as Haworthia baylissii, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of yellowish-green to dark green leaves that become purple or brown in full sun. The rosettes can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and slowly produce offsets, forming small clumps. The leaves are erect to recurved, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide. They have numerous longitudinal whitish spots and irregularly spaced transparent marginal teeth. This variety has broader leaves than Haworthia angustifolia var. angustifolia.
The flowers are white with reddish-brown or yellow-green central veins on the tepals and appear in spring on slender, usually unbranched stalks that can grow up to 16 inches (15 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia angustifolia var. baylissii
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. angustifolia var. baylissii in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day.
Soil: All Haworthias do not like their roots to remain wet for prolonged periods, so their potting soil should be well-drained. Use a commercial succulent potting mix, or make your own.
Hardiness: Haworthias like warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, they do not like being too cold. H. angustifolia var. baylissii 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 Haworthias thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Haworthias are mostly dormant, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Haworthias do not require much fertilizer, but fertilization is a good idea for optimum growth. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season.
Repotting: These succulents are generally slow-growing and can stay in the same pot for years. However, for best health, H. angustifolia var. baylissii should be repotted into fresh soil every two to three years.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common method of propagating Haworthias. They 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. baylissii
Haworthia species are generally 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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