Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. glaucophylla (M.B.Bayer) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia glaucophylla, Haworthia limifolia var. glaucophylla
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The varietal epithet "glaucophylla (glaw-koh-FIL-uh)" means "with blue-green or blue-gray leaves, or with a bloom."
Origin
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. glaucophylla is native to South Africa and restricted to the Three Rondavels (formerly known as Three Sisters), three mountain tops in the Mpumalanga Province.
Description
Haworthiopsis limifolia var. glaucophylla, formerly known as Haworthia limifolia var. glaucophylla, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of smooth, bluish-green leaves. 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, tapering to a sharp point, and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) broad. Depending on the season and intensity of the light, the color of leaves varies from bluish-green to brown.
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 spring and summer.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis limifolia var. glaucophylla
Light: H. limifolia var. glaucophylla 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 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. glaucophylla 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. glaucophylla 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. glaucophylla 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. glaucophylla 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. glaucophylla
H. limifolia var. glaucophylla 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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