Scientific Name
Haworthia chloracantha Haw.
Synonym(s)
Aloe chloracantha, Catevala chloracantha, Haworthia chloracantha var. chloracantha
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Origin
Haworthia chloracantha is native to South Africa. It grows on steep, well-drained slopes, mainly amongst grass or under bushes in Herbertsdale, Mossel Bay, and along the Great Brak River in the Western Cape province.
Description
Haworthia chloracantha is a small succulent that forms small, proliferous rosettes of yellowish-green to brownish-green leaves, often deep red near the base. The rosettes can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and produce offsets from the base, forming a dense clump with age. The leaves are fleshy, lance-shaped, and triangular in cross-section, with spines on the margins and keel. They are erect when young, ascending when mature, reaching up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) broad, and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) thick.
The small flowers are white with greenish-brown veins and appear on slender, unbranched stalks that can grow up to 8.4 inches (21 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These succulents are not considered difficult houseplants to grow. If you can keep a pot of Aloe alive on a windowsill, chances are you can do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most dangerous situation is too much water. They should never be allowed to sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, these little decorative plants can be grown in interesting containers such as teacups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, ensure the container has adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) in height, and relatively slow-growing. Therefore, they are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its container, repot into a new wide and shallow container with fresh potting soil in the spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
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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