Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis longiana (Poelln.) G.D.Rowley
Synonyms
Haworthia longiana, Haworthia longiana var. albinota, Haworthia pumila subsp. longiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Origin
This species 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 grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, producing offsets at their base to form clumps. Leaves are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, bright green to dark green, often turning red in intense light. Flowers are creamy-white and appear from summer to fall on sparsely branched inflorescences.
Etymology
The specific epithet "longiana (lon-jee-AY-nuh)" honors the British horticulturist Frank Reginald Long (1884-1961).
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 is likely to be an appropriate setting for this succulent.
Soil: Use a 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: The best way to water this succulent is to use the "soak and dry" method. Get the soil thoroughly wet, and then wait until it is dry before watering again. Water your plant less during the winter when its growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when H. longiana is mostly dormant, water just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: H. longiana is a slow-growing plant, and it does not require much fertilizer. 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. 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
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
