Haworthiopsis viscosa

Scientific Name

Haworthiopsis viscosa (L.) Gildenh. & Klopper

Synonym(s)

Aloe subrigida, Aloe triangularis, Aloe viscosa, Apicra viscosa, Catevala subrigida, Catevala viscosa, Haworthia subrigida, Haworthia viscosa, Tulista viscosa

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This species 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 grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, producing offsets from the base to form clumps. Leaves are broadly triangular, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and densely packed along the stems. They are olive-green, brownish-green to red or bronze. Flowers are white with green or brown veins and appear on an up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall inflorescence from spring to summer.

Etymology

The specific epithet "viscosa" derives from the Latin word "viscosus," meaning "viscous or sticky," and refers to the leaves that are densely packed in three vertical ranks.

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 an appropriate setting for this succulent.

Soil: Use a 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. During the hottest summer months, when this plant is mostly dormant, water 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 weeks 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

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