Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. arcana (Gideon F.Sm. & N.R.Crouch) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia arcana, Haworthia limifolia var. arcana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The varietal epithet "arcana (ARK-an-uh)" means "hidden, secret, private, mysterious" and refers to the skewed view of what is known and what is not known about this variety.
Origin
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. arcana is native to South Africa. It is restricted to an area near Hectorspruit in the Mpumalanga province.
Description
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. arcana, formerly known as Haworthia limifolia var. arcana, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of glossy, dark green to dark brown leaves with concolorous tubercles or confluent transverse ridges. The rosettes can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter and offset slowly, forming a dense clump with age. The leaves are thick, fleshy, deltoid, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. The color of leaves varies depending on the season and intensity of the light.
The flowers are tubular, 2-lipped, white with a greenish-brown midrib, and appear on a slender stalk that can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) long in winter and spring.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis limifolia var. arcana
Light: H. limifolia var. arcana thrives in semi-shaded positions. Brighter light conditions are needed to bring out the leaf coloration. Any window in your home or office is likely to be an appropriate setting for this succulent.
Soil: Use a commercial potting soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own.
Temperature: This plant likes warmer temperatures in summer but cooler in winter. H. limifolia var. arcana can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water H. limifolia var. arcana 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. limifolia var. arcana 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. limifolia var. arcana is mostly and easily grown by removing offsets from the mother plant. Remove offsets when they have started developing their roots. Spring is the best time to sow the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis.
Toxicity of Haworthiopsis limifolia var. arcana
H. limifolia var. arcana 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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