Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis limifolia (Marloth) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Fairies Washboard, Fairy Washboard, File-leafed Haworthia, Swati Haworthia
Synonym(s)
Haworthia limifolia, Haworthia limifolia var. limifolia, Haworthiopsis limifolia var. limifolia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "limifolia (lim-ih-FOH-lee-uh)" means "file-like leaves" and refers to the transverse ridges on the leaves.
Origin
Haworthiopsis limifolia is native to southeastern Africa (Swaziland, southern Mozambique, and KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa).
Description
Haworthiopsis limifolia, formerly known as Haworthia limifolia, is a small succulent that forms compact, stemless rosettes of light to very dark green or brownish-green leaves with undulate transverse ridges on both surfaces. The rosettes can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter and slowly produce offsets around the base, forming a dense clump with age. A few selected clones have larger rosettes reaching up to 7 inches (17.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are deltoid with ends gradually tapering to a sharp point and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide.
The flowers are white with a greenish-brown midrib, tubular, two-lipped, and can grow about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long. They appear arranged in a raceme on a slender stalk that can grow up to 8 inches (20cm) long in late summer and fall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis limifolia
Light: Haworthiopsis limifolia 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. It 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 thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water the plant less during the winter when its growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when it is mostly dormant, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Haworthiopsis limifolia 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 the plant is in a 6- to 8-week rest period.
Repotting: When it has outgrown its container, repot it into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: Haworthiopsis limifolia 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 limifolia
Haworthiopsis limifolia is considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
Varieties, Forms, and Cultivars of Haworthiopsis limifolia
- Haworthiopsis limifolia var. arcana
- Haworthiopsis limifolia var. gigantea
- Haworthiopsis limifolia var. glaucophylla
- Haworthiopsis limifolia var. striata
- Haworthiopsis limifolia var. ubomboensis
- Haworthiopsis limifolia 'Spider White'
- Haworthiopsis limifolia 'Variegata'
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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