Scientific Name
Haworthia floribunda Poelln.
Synonym(s)
Haworthia chloracantha var. floribunda, Haworthia floribunda var. floribunda
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Description
Haworthia floribunda is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of twisted, lance-shaped, dark green or brownish-green leaves. The rosettes are slowly proliferous from the base and can reach 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. Leaves are erect at first, ascending to spreading with age, and can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.35 inches (0.9 cm) wide. They are rounded at the apex or pointed. The leaf margins are scabrid to dentate.
The greenish-white flowers appear on simple, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long stalks, usually from late winter through spring.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa. It occurs from Heidelberg to Gourits River in the Western Cape province.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 containers. 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.
Varieties
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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