Scientific Name
Haworthia lockwoodii Archibald
Common Name(s)
Onion-like Haworthia
Synonym(s)
Haworthia inconfluens var. lockwoodii, Haworthia mucronata subsp. lockwoodii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "lockwoodii (lok-WOOD-ee-eye)" honors Stanley George Lockwood-Hill (1903-?), a Haworthia collector who was a magistrate of Laingsburg.
Origin
Haworthia lockwoodii is native to South Africa (Great Karoo).
Description
Haworthia lockwoodii is a small, slow-growing succulent that forms a solitary, stemless rosette. It is very attractive during the dormant phase in summer when more than half of the leaf dries out and becomes papery white. The wilted leaves cover the rosette almost completely, protecting the younger leaves from the harsh summer sun. The rosette can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are yellowish-green with translucent tips marked with usually eight green to reddish-brown longitudinal lines. They are erect, incurved, and can measure up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide.
The flowers are white, keeled with green veins, and appear on slender stalks in spring. The flower stalks can grow up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia lockwoodii
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. lockwoodii in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day.
Soil: All Haworthias do not 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. lockwoodii 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. lockwoodii should be repotted into fresh soil every two to three years.
Propagation: This species is not known to produce offsets, so propagation is by seeds or leaves. Remove a healthy leaf from the rosette along with a slight bit of attached stem tissue. Allow the leaf to callous over for several days, and then put it in a container with a well-draining soil mix. 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 lockwoodii
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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