Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis longiana (Poelln.) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia longiana, Haworthia longiana var. albinota, Haworthia pumila subsp. longiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "longiana (lon-jee-AY-nuh)" honors the British horticulturist Frank Reginald Long (1884-1961).
Origin
Haworthiopsis longiana is native to South Africa (the southern part of the Cape Provinces).
Description
Haworthiopsis longiana, formerly known as Haworthia longiana, is a slow-growing succulent that forms rosettes of narrow, stiff, and slightly rough leaves. The rosettes can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, producing offsets at their base to form clumps. The leaves are bright green to dark green, often turning red in intense light. They can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
The creamy-white flowers appear from summer to fall on sparsely branched inflorescences.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis longiana
Light: H. longiana 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. H. longiana 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. longiana 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. longiana 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. longiana 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 longiana
H. longiana 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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