Scientific Name
Haworthia angustifolia Haw.
Common Name(s)
Narrow-leaved Haworthia
Synonym(s)
Aloe stenophylla, Catevala angustifolia, Haworthia albanensis, Haworthia angustifolia f. grandis, Haworthia angustifolia var. albanensis, Haworthia angustifolia var. angustifolia, Haworthia angustifolia var. grandis, Haworthia chloracantha subsp. angustifolia, Haworthia chloracantha var. angustifolia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "angustifolia (an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh)" means "narrow-leaved" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Haworthia angustifolia is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Description
Haworthia angustifolia is a small succulent that forms rosettes of long, narrow, pale green to dark green leaves that become brownish in full sun. It is often confused with Haworthia chloracantha but has softer leaves with smaller and closely spaced marginal teeth. The rosettes can reach up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter, slowly offsetting to form small clumps. The leaves can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide and have a whitish terminal bristle.
The flowers can be white, pinkish, or reddish and appear in spring on slender, usually unbranched inflorescence that can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia angustifolia
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. angustifolia 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 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 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
Haworthia species are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Varieties of Haworthia angustifolia
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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