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
Etymology
The specific epithet "turgida" (pronounced "TUR-jih-duh") means "turgid; swollen" and refers to the plant's swollen leaves.
The varietal epithet "longibracteata" (pronounced "lon-jee-brak-tee-AY-tuh") means "having long bracts". It refers to the longer floral bracts of this variety compared to the type Haworthia turgida.
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 4 inches (12 cm) in diameter and offset freely, quickly forming a small cluster. 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.
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, typically growing on steep, rocky slopes above water streams.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia turgida var. longibracteata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
These succulents aren't difficult to grow as houseplants. If you can keep a pot of Aloe alive on a windowsill, you can probably do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most common issue is overwatering. Never let them sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, you can grow these little decorative plants in interesting containers such as teacups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, make sure it has adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, typically ranging from 3 to 5 inches (7.5 cm to 12.5 cm) in height, and are 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 it into a new wide, shallow container with fresh potting soil in spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Learn more in "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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