Scientific Name
Haworthia turgida var. longibracteata (G.G.Sm.) M.B.Bayer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia longibracteata, Haworthia retusa f. longibracteata, Haworthia retusa var. longibracteata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Origin
Haworthia turgida var. longibracteata is native to South Africa. It occurs from Bredasdorp to the Kafferkuils River east of Riversdale in the Western Cape, always growing on steep rocky slopes above water streams.
Description
Haworthia turgida var. longibracteata is a small succulent that forms rosettes of light green to yellowish green leaves with prominent translucent lines at the ends. The rosettes can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter and offset freely, forming a small cluster quickly. The leaves become reddish in intense light.
In spring, mature rosettes produce simple stalks with tiny, tubular, brownish-white flowers with darker venation. The flower stalks can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
Haworthia turgida var. longibracteata is larger than Haworthia turgida var. turgida.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These succulents are not considered difficult houseplants to grow. If you can keep a pot of Aloe alive on a windowsill, chances are you can do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most dangerous situation is too much water. They should never be allowed to sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, these little decorative plants can be grown in interesting containers such as teacups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, ensure the container has adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) in height, and relatively slow-growing. Therefore, they are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow containers. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its container, repot into a new wide and shallow container with fresh potting soil in the spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
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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