Scientific Name
Haworthia maraisii Poelln.
Synonym(s)
Haworthia magnifica var. maraisii, Haworthia mirabilis var. maraisii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "maraisii (mar-AY-see-eye)" honors Wessel Marais (1929-2013), a South African botanist and plant collector.
Origin
Haworthia maraisii is native to South Africa (Cape Provinces).
Description
Haworthia maraisii is a small succulent that forms rosettes of dark green leaves with small, raised tubercles and sometimes small spines along margins and keel. The rosettes are slowly proliferous and can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. The leaves are opaque, usually retused, and can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
The white flowers have greenish-brown veins and appear in late spring to summer on unbranched stalks that can grow up to 20 inches (30 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia maraisii
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. maraisii 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. maraisii 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. maraisii should be repotted into fresh soil every two to three years.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common method of propagating Haworthias. They can also be propagated by leaves and seeds. Remove the offsets when they have started developing their own roots. 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 maraisii
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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