Haworthia semiviva

Scientific Name

Haworthia semiviva (Poelln.) M.B.Bayer

Synonym(s)

Haworthia arachnoidea var. semiviva, Haworthia bolusii var. semiviva

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (Western Cape and Northern Cape).

Description

Haworthia semiviva is a small succulent that forms a solitary rosette of pale green translucent leaves with prominent veins. The stemless rosette grows up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Leaves are incurved, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. Flowers are white with green veins and appear on usually unbranched, up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall inflorescences. In nature, the tips of the leaves dry and fold to protect the plant during the long dry summer.

Etymology

The specific epithet "semiviva (sem-ee-VEE-vuh)" is the feminine form of the Latin adjective "semivivus," meaning "half-alive (almost dead)," and refers to the growing habit of the species.

How to Grow and Care for Haworthia semiviva

Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. semiviva 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. semiviva 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. semiviva 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. During the hottest summer months, when this plant is mostly dormant, water 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, H. semiviva should be repotted into fresh soil every two to three years for best health.

Propagation: This species is not known to produce offsets, so propagation is by seeds or leaves. Remove a healthy leaf from the rosette along with a slight bit of attached stem tissue. Allow the leaf to callous over for several days, and then put in a container with a well-draining soil mix. 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 semiviva

Haworthia species are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.

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