Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi (C.L.Scott) Gildenh. & Klopper
Synonym(s)
Haworthia koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi, Haworthia mcmurtryi, Haworthiopsis mcmurtryi, Tulista koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Origin
This variety was discovered by Mr. Douglas McMurtry in 1983 near Loskop Dam, but now it is known from several other locations around Groblersdal in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Description
Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi, formerly known as Haworthia koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi, is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of thick fleshy leaves with raised tubercles. It is smaller and with more prominent markings on the surface of the leaves than Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum var. koelmaniorum. The rosettes grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, usually solitary in full sun but tend to produce offsets in deep shade, forming a clump. Leaves range in color from dark brownish-green and tan to reddish and can be obscurely windowed. They are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. Flowers are white with green to brownish veins and appear on a slender, up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall stalk from summer to fall.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "mcmurtryi (mak-MUR-tree-eye)" honors Mr. Douglas McMurtry (fl. 1984), curator of the Johannesburg Botanical Garden located in the suburb of Emmarentia in Johannesburg, South Africa.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi
Light: H. koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi 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. koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi 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 var. mcmurtryi 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. koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi 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. koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi is mostly and easily grown from stem cuttings or by removing offsets from the mother plant. Take 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 var. mcmurtryi
H. koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
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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