Scientific Name
Haworthia nortieri G.G.Sm.
Common Name(s)
Cederberg Haworthia
Synonym(s)
Haworthia mucronata var. nortieri, Haworthia nortieri var. nortieri
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "nortieri (nor-TEER-ee)" honors Dr. Pieter le Fras Nortier (1884-1955), a medical doctor and botanist of Clanwilliam, Western Cape, South Africa.
Origin
Haworthia nortieri is native to South Africa. It grows from the moist south slopes of the Cederberg to dry wastes of Namaqualand and Moordenaarskaroo.
Description
Haworthia nortieri is a small succulent that forms stemless, solitary to slowly proliferous rosettes of thick, fleshy, pale green to purplish-green leaves with translucent spots and short spines on the keel and margins. It is a very variable species with various local forms and varieties. The rosettes can reach up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter, while the leaves can grow up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. The leaves are initially erect but become ascending and incurved as they grow.
The flowers are usually white with greenish veins and appear in late winter and spring spirally arranged in racemes on slender stalks that can grow up to 15 inches (38 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia nortieri
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. nortieri is receiving 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.
Hardiness: This succulent likes warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, it does not like being too cold. H. nortieri 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 H. nortieri 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. nortieri 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. nortieri into fresh soil every two to three years in spring or fall. Repotting time is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common method of propagating H. nortieri. This plant 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 nortieri
H. nortieri is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Varieties of Haworthia nortieri
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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