Scientific Name
Haworthia outeniquensis M.B.Bayer
Common Name(s)
Outeniqua Haworthia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "outeniquensis (ow-ten-ee-KWEN-sis)" means "of or from Outeniqua" and refers to the Outeniqua Mountains, where this species originates.
Origin
Haworthia outeniquensis is native to South Africa, where it grows on rocky north slopes in fynbos in the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape.
Description
Haworthia outeniquensis is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of yellowish-green, erect to sub-erect leaves with pellucid markings. The rosettes can reach up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter, while the leaves can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. They have keel-bearing spines, whitish, quite cartilaginous, densely spiny margins, and incurving tips with end-awn. The markings of the leaves become more translucent in brighter light, and the opaque venation becomes reddish.
The flowers are white with brownish venation. They appear in summer on slender, unbranched stalks that can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) long, including the raceme with 7 to 15 flowers.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia outeniquensis
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. outeniquensis 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.
Hardiness: This succulent likes warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, it does not like being too cold. H. outeniquensis 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. outeniquensis 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. outeniquensis 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. outeniquensis 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. outeniquensis. 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 outeniquensis
H. outeniquensis 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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