Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. gigantea (M.B.Bayer) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia gigantea, Haworthia limifolia var. gigantea
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Origin
The variety is native to South Africa and restricted to a few locations in KwaZulu-Natal.
Description
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. gigantea, formerly known as Haworthia limifolia var. gigantea, is a stemless succulent that forms large compact rosettes of dark green to brownish-green leaves covered with irregularly arranged light green to nearly white tubercles. It has small raised tubercles instead of the transverse ridges characteristic of Haworthiopsis limifolia var. limifolia. The rosettes grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 9.2 inches (23 cm) in diameter. Leaves are ovate–lanceolate, up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. The upper surface of the leaves is concave with an oblique marginal longitudinal ridge in the upper three-quarters. The lowers surface is convex, usually with a narrow oblique longitudinal depression. Flowers are small, white with greenish-brown midrib, tinged with pink at tips, and appear spirally arranged on a slender, up to 30 inches (75 cm) long peduncle, including the raceme in spring and summer.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "gigantea (jy-GAN-tee-uh)" is the feminine form of the latine adjective "giganteus," meaning "giant," and refers to the uncommonly large size of the variety.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis limifolia var. gigantea
Light: H. limifolia var. gigantea 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. gigantea 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. gigantea 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. limifolia var. gigantea is a slow-growing plant, and it 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 in the spring or early summer into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Propagation: H. limifolia var. gigantea 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. gigantea
H. limifolia var. gigantea 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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