Scientific Name
Haworthia monticola Fourc.
Synonym(s)
Haworthia chloracantha var. monticola, Haworthia monticola var. monticola
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "monticola (mon-TEE-ko-luh)" is a Latin noun meaning "a mountain dweller; mountaineer."
Origin
Haworthia monticola is native to South Africa. It grows on stony hills amongst stones or under low scrub in the Outeniqua mountains between Oudtshoorn and Willowmore.
Description
Haworthia monticola is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of dark green or reddish-brown leaves with small, white spines along the margins and keel. The proliferous rosettes can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, forming small clumps with age. The leaves are thick and fleshy, at first erect with incurved tips, becoming ascending with recurved tips as they age. They are lanceolate, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide. The upper surface of the leaves is slightly convex, with about four red lines and translucent spots in the upper third, while the lower surface is convex with one keel.
The flowers are tubular, white with brown veins, and appear spirally arranged on slender inflorescences that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia monticola
Light: Place the potted plant in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day. White, yellow, or red-tinged leaves usually indicate that your H. monticola receives too much sunlight. Deep shade tends to weaken the plant over a prolonged period. If your plant has spent the winter indoors, gradually move it outdoors into the bright sun to prevent sunburn.
Soil: Like all Haworthias, this plant does not like its roots to remain wet for prolonged periods, so the soil should be well-drained. Use a commercial potting mix for succulents, or make your own.
Temperature: This succulent likes warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, it does not like being too cold. H. monticola can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water H. monticola thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plant less during the winter when its growth slows down significantly. When this plant is mostly dormant during the hottest summer months, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: H. monticola does not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilization is a good idea. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season.
Repotting: This slow-growing succulent can stay in the same pot for years. To keep your plant healthy and happy, repot H. monticola into fresh soil every two to three years in spring or fall. Repotting time is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Propagation: The quickest and most common method of propagating H. monticola is by offsets. It can also be propagated by leaves and seeds. Remove the offsets when they have started developing their own roots. Sow the seeds in spring or fall in a well-draining soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Toxicity of Haworthia monticola
H. monticola is considered 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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