Scientific Name
Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana (G.G.Sm.) J.D.Venter & S.A.Hammer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia comptoniana, Haworthia comptoniana f. major, Haworthia picta var. comptoniana, Haworthia retusa var. comptoniana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Origin
Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana is native to South Africa. It is a rare succulent known from only one or two localities in the Eastern Cape province near Willowmore.
Description
Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana, formerly known as Haworthia comptoniana, is an attractive small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of thick fleshy leaves. The rosettes grow solitary or occasionally slowly proliferous from the base and can reach up to 3.4 inches (8.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are obovate, deltoid, spreading, incurved at the tip, and can grow up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long, 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) thick. They have numerous white, oblong, longitudinally arranged flecks and 5 to 7 short and long, very reticulate lines, of which 1 to 2 nearly reach the tip. The leaves are pellucid-green, often brownish at the tip, smooth, or with a few small raised concolorous tubercles. In the plant's natural habitat, the rosettes are almost entirely underground, with only the apex of the leaves above ground.
The 2-lipped flowers are white with green to brown veins and appear spirally arranged on simple, slender stalks from late spring to fall. The flower stalks can grow up to 8.8 inches (22 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Haworthias 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. If it doesn't, it might be a good idea to pop the plant out of its container and add a layer of gravel to the bottom to reduce the wicking action of the soil above. Finally, look out for sunburned spots on your plants.
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.
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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