Scientific Name
Haworthia emelyae Poelln.
Synonym(s)
Haworthia emelyae var. emelyae, Haworthia picta, Haworthia retusa subsp. emelyae, Haworthia retusa var. emelyae
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "emelyae (EM-el-ee-ay)" honors Emily Pauline Reitz Ferguson (1872-1947), a plant collector in South Africa.
Origin
Haworthia emelyae is native to South Africa (Western Cape).
Description
Haworthia emelyae, also known as Haworthia picta, is a slow-growing succulent that forms attractive stemless rosettes of thick, fleshy, triangular, more or less recurved leaves. The rosettes can grow solitary or slowly proliferous, reaching up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The leaves are green to brownish-green, flecked with whitish to pinkish markings. They are very variable in shape, color, and texture.
The white flowers have green veins and appear on upright stalks that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long in late spring or summer.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia emelyae
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. emelyae in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day.
Soil: None of the Haworthias 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. emelyae 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. emelyae 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 emelyae
Haworthia species are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Varieties and Forms of Haworthia emelyae
- Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana
- Haworthia emelyae var. major
- Haworthia emelyae var. multifolia
- Haworthia marxii
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
