Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis reinwardtii var. brevicula (G.G.Sm.) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia brevicula, Haworthia reinwardtii var. brevicula, Haworthia reinwardtii var. diminuta
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Origin
This variety is native to South Africa. It occurs west of the Fish River in the higher lying areas east of Makhanda, also known as Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Haworthiopsis reinwardtii var. brevicula, formerly known as Haworthia reinwardtii var. brevicula, is a slow-growing succulent that forms small compact elongated rosettes of green to brownish-green leaves with white flattened scale-like tubercles. It is much smaller and more compact than the typical variety. The rosettes grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, producing offsets to form small groups. Flowers are white and appear on slender, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long stalks from late winter to early summer.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "brevicula (brev-ih-KUL-luh)" is the feminine form of the Latin adjective "breviculus," meaning "very/rather short/small" and refers to the size of the variety.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis reinwardtii var. brevicula
Light: H. reinwardtii var. brevicula 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. reinwardtii var. brevicula 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. reinwardtii var. brevicula 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. reinwardtii var. brevicula 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. reinwardtii var. brevicula 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 reinwardtii var. brevicula
H. reinwardtii var. brevicula 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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