Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum (Oberm. & D.S.Hardy) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning
Synonym(s)
Haworthia koelmaniorum, Haworthia limifolia var. koelmaniorum, Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum var. koelmaniorum, Tulista koelmaniorum
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "koelmaniorum (kohl-man-ee-OR-um)" honors South African schoolteacher and horticulturist Arthur Koelman (1915-1994) and his wife Maria M.J. Koelman (1917-1993). Arthur Koelman is a founder of the Succulent Society of South Africa and a pioneer in Aloe hybridizing.
Origin
Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum is native to South Africa (Mpumalanga).
Description
Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum, formerly known as Haworthia koelmaniorum, is a slow-growing succulent that forms rosettes of leaves ranging from dark brownish-green to tan or reddish. The rosettes can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. They are usually solitary as the plant rarely forms offsets. The leaves are scabrid with small raised tubercles and short spines on the margins and keel.
The white flowers have green to brownish veins and appear on slender stalks from summer to fall. The flower stalks can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum
Light: H. koelmaniorum 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. koelmaniorum 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. koelmaniorum 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. koelmaniorum 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 in the spring or early summer into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Propagation: H. koelmaniorum 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 koelmaniorum
H. koelmaniorum is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Varieties and Hybrids of Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum
- Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi
- Haworthiopsis 'Crocodile Skin'
- Haworthiopsis 'Jade Star'
- Haworthiopsis 'Onigawara'
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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