Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis attenuata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Zebra Haworthia, Zebra Plant
Synonym(s)
Aloe attenuata, Apicra attenuata, Catevala attenuata, Haworthia attenuata, Haworthia pumila subsp. attenuata, Haworthiopsis attenuata var. attenuata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "attenuata (pronounced at-ten-yoo-AY-tuh)" means "thinned, reduced, attenuated; weakened, diminished" and refers to the leaves that narrow gradually to the tip.
Origin
Haworthiopsis attenuata is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Description
Haworthiopsis attenuata, formerly known as Haworthia attenuata, is an attractive succulent that forms rosettes of thick, fleshy, dark green leaves with white tubercles. It offsets readily and forms a dense clump with age. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter.
The white flowers have green veins and appear on slender stalks that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long. They typically bloom from spring to fall, but indoors, they can blossom at any time of the year.
Haworthiopsis attenuata is very similar to and often confused with Haworthiopsis fasciata. However, it can easily be distinguished by its white tubercles, which occur on both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. On the other side, Haworthiopsis fasciata has tubercles only on the undersides of the leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis attenuata
Light: H. attenuata 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. attenuata 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 growth is most active, water H. attenuata 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 significantly. When this plant is mostly dormant during the hottest summer months, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: H. attenuata is a slow-growing plant that does not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilizing 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 in the spring or early summer into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Propagation: H. attenuata 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 attenuata
H. attenuata is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Varieties, Forms, and Cultivars of Haworthiopsis attenuata
- Haworthiopsis attenuata var. glabrata
- Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula
- Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula 'Variegata'
- Haworthiopsis attenuata f. tanba
- Haworthiopsis attenuata 'Crazed Glaze'
- Haworthiopsis attenuata 'Snowy'
- Haworthiopsis attenuata 'Super Zebra'
Links
- Back to genus Haworthiopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
