Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis coarctata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Bunched Haworthia, Crowded Haworthia
Synonym(s)
Aloe coarctata, Catevala coarctata, Haworthia coarctata, Haworthia reinwardtii subsp. coarctata, Haworthia reinwardtii var. coarctata, Haworthiopsis coarctata var. coarctata, Haworthiopsis reinwardtii var. coarctata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "coarctata (koh-ARK-tay-tuh)" means "compressed" and refers to the leaves tightly packed around the stem.
Origin
Haworthiopsis coarctata is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Eastern Cape province, usually growing among rocks.
Description
Haworthiopsis coarctata, formerly known as Haworthia coarctata, is a small succulent that forms clumps of stems packed with fleshy, dark green to brownish-green leaves with white rounded tubercles. The leaves are arranged in elongated rosettes, hiding the stem that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. They can measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The mature rosettes produce slender flower stems that bear white, tubular flowers with greenish-brown midrib from late spring to fall. The flower stalk can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
This species is frequently confused with Haworthiopsis reinwardtii. However, Haworthiopsis coarctata has smaller and more smoothly rounded tubercles, while those of Haworthiopsis reinwardtii are often large and tend to be flattened and whiter. Additionally, the leaves of Haworthiopsis coarctata are thicker and less densely arranged on the stem.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis coarctata
Light: H. coarctata 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. coarctata 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. coarctata 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 the plant just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: H. coarctata is a slow-growing plant that does not require much fertilizer. 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 rest period of 6 to 8 weeks.
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. coarctata 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 coarctata
H. coarctata is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Forms of Haworthiopsis coarctata
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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