Scientific Name
Haworthia emelyae Poelln.
Synonym(s)
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" (pronounced "EM-el-ee-ay") honors Emily Pauline Reitz Ferguson (1872–1947), a South African plant collector.
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 vary widely 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.
Origin
Haworthia emelyae is native to South Africa (Western Cape).
Varieties and Forms of Haworthia emelyae
- Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana
- Haworthia emelyae var. emelyae
- Haworthia emelyae var. major
- Haworthia emelyae var. multifolia
- Haworthia marxii (not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Haworthia emelyae var. emelyae)
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia emelyae
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. emelyae in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day.
Soil: Haworthias don't like their roots to stay wet for long, 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 temperatures 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 winter, when growth slows significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Haworthias are mostly dormant, water them just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Haworthias don't need much fertilizer, but it can support optimal 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, repot H. emelyae into fresh soil every two to three years.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common way to propagate Haworthias. You can also propagate them from leaves and seeds. Remove offsets once they start developing their own roots. Sow seeds in spring or fall in a well-draining 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.
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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