Scientific Name
Haworthia bolusii Baker
Synonym(s)
Catevala bolusii, Haworthia arachnoidea var. bolusii, Haworthia bolusii var. bolusii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "bolusii (bol-LOO-see-eye)" honors Dr. Harry Bolus (1834-1911), a South African botanist, botanical artist, and plant collector.
Origin
Haworthia bolusii is native to South Africa. It occurs on the hills around Graaff-Reinet.
Description
Haworthia bolusii is a stemless succulent with fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes of incurved leaves with long fibrous wavy bristles that cover the leaves, forming a web-like pattern. The rosettes can grow to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter and produce offsets around the base, forming a dense clump with time. The leaves are pale green with green longitudinal lines and white translucent bristles.
The white flowers have brown or reddish-brown veins and appear mainly in late spring on slender stalks that can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia bolusii
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. bolusii 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. bolusii 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. bolusii 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. bolusii 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. However, repot H. bolusii into fresh soil every two to three years in spring or fall to keep your plant healthy and happy. 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. bolusii. 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 bolusii
H. bolusii 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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