Haworthia herbacea

Scientific Name

Haworthia herbacea (Mill.) Stearn

Synonym(s)

Aloe herbacea, Aloe atrovirens, Aloe bradlyana, Aloe pallida, Aloe translucens, Apicra atrovirens, Apicra translucens, Catevala atroviridis, Catevala pallida, Catevala papillosa, Catevala translucens, Haworthia aegrota, Haworthia atrovirens, Haworthia herbacea var. herbacea, Haworthia luteorosea, Haworthia pallida, Haworthia papillosa, Haworthia pellucens, Haworthia submaculata, Haworthia translucens

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia

Description

Haworthia herbacea is a small succulent that forms dense clusters of rosettes of greenish-yellow leaves with a reticulate pattern with translucent areas between the veins. The rosettes grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide. Margins and keel are fringed with firm glassy white spines. As the rosette matures, the leaves tend to become dark waxy green, and spots are more raised, pure white, and randomly speckled on both sides. Flowers are large, creamy-white or beige with pinkish tips.

This species is very similar to Haworthia reticulata, and it is difficult to distinguish between them.

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, make sure 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 dish, repot into a new wide and shallow dish 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.

Origin

This species is native to the Western Cape of South Africa.