Scientific Name
Haworthia rossouwii Poelln.
Common Name(s)
Glassrim Haworthia
Synonym(s)
Haworthia chloracantha var. serrata, Haworthia rossouwii var. rossouwii, Haworthia rossouwii var. serrata, Haworthia serrata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "rossouwii (ROS-so-wee-eye)" honors Mr. Rossouw, a policeman in Napier and one of the first collectors of this species.
Origin
Haworthia rossouwii is native to South Africa. It occurs in Napier in the Overberg region, Western Cape.
Description
Haworthia rossouwii, formerly known as Haworthia serrata, is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of pale green to yellowish-green leaves with translucent lines above and spines along margins and keels. The rosettes can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter and grow solitary or slowly proliferating from the base, forming small clumps. The leaves are erect to spreading and taper gradually from a broad base to a point, measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
The white flowers with green to greenish-brown venation appear in winter on a slender stem.
Haworthia rossouwii is often confused with the more pale and slender varieties of Haworthia mirabilis. Some authors considered Haworthia rossouwii as synonymous with Haworthia mirabilis var. triebneriana.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia rossouwii
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. rossouwii 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. rossouwii 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. rossouwii 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 rossouwii
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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