Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula (Jacq.) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Hankey Dwarf Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe radula, Apicra radula, Catevala radula, Haworthia attenuata var. radula, Haworthia pumila subsp. radula, Haworthia radula
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The varietal epithet "radula (RAD-yoo-luh)" means "scraper" and probably refers to the shape of the leaves.
Origin
Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula is native to South Africa, a small area around Hankey in the Eastern Cape.
Description
Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula, formerly known as Haworthia attenuata var. radula, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of green to brownish leaves densely covered with white tubercles on both surfaces. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and diameter and produce offset, slowly forming a clump with age. The leaves are erect and can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. They are longer, more elongated, and have smaller and more tubercles than Haworthiopsis attenuata var. attenuata.
The white flowers have reddish-brown veins and usually appear from spring to fall on slender stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula
Light: Althoughh most species can tolerate full sun, these succulents thrive in semi-shaded positions. However, brighter light conditions are needed to bring out the leaf coloration.
Soil: Plant your Haworthiopsis in commercial soil formulated for succulents or make your own well-draining potting mix.
Hardiness: Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula 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 Haworthiopsis thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Haworthiopsis are mostly dormant, water them just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Haworthiopsis are slow-growing succulents that do not require much fertilizer. Therefore, feed with a dilute fertilizer and only from spring to fall.
Repotting: When the plant has outgrown its container, repot in the spring or early summer into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Propagation: Haworthiopsis are mostly and easily grown from stem cuttings or by removing offsets from the mother plant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis.
Toxicity of Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula
Haworthiopsis species are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Forms of Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula
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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