Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis viscosa (L.) Gildenh. & Klopper
Synonym(s)
Aloe viscosa, Apicra viscosa, Catevala viscosa, Haworthia viscosa, Haworthiopsis viscosa var. viscosa, Tulista viscosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "viscosa (vis-KOH-suh)" means "full of birdlime, viscous, sticky" and refers to the scabrous leaves.
Origin
Haworthiopsis viscosa is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape and Western Cape).
Description
Haworthiopsis viscosa, formerly known as Haworthia viscosa, is a succulent plant with a distinct trifarious arrangement of the leaves. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and produce offsets from the base, forming a dense clump with age. The leaves are broadly triangular, densely packed along the stems, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. They are olive-green to brownish-green, bronze, or red.
The white flowers have green or brown veins and appear on slender stalks from spring to summer. The flower stalks can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis viscosa
Light: H. viscosa thrives in semi-shaded positions. Brighter light conditions are needed to bring out the leaf coloration. Any window in your home or office will likely be appropriate for this succulent.
Soil: Use commercial potting soil specially formulated for succulents, or make your own well-draining potting mix.
Hardiness: This plant likes warmer temperatures in summer but cooler in winter. H. viscosa 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. viscosa 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. viscosa is a slow-growing plant that 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. Avoid summer fertilizing as this succulent is in a 6- to 8-week rest period.
Repotting: When the plant has outgrown its container, repot it into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: H. viscosa is mostly and easily grown from stem cuttings or by removing offsets from the mother plant. Take stem cuttings during the warmer months. Remove offsets when they have started developing their roots. Spring is the best time to sow seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis.
Toxicity of Haworthiopsis viscosa
H. viscosa is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Haworthiopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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