Haworthiopsis scabra

Scientific Name

Haworthiopsis scabra (Haw.) G.D.Rowley

Synonym(s)

Aloe scabra, Catevala scabra, Haworthia scabra, Haworthia scabra var. scabra

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis

Etymology

The specific epithet "scabra (SKAY-bruh)" means "rough, scabrous; scabby, mangy, itchy" and refers to the texture of the leaves.

Origin

Haworthiopsis scabra is native to South Africa. It occurs in the arid regions of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.

Description

Haworthiopsis scabra, formerly known as Haworthia scabra, is a slow-growing succulent that forms stemless rosettes of rough, deep green leaves densely covered with small tubercles. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The leaves can also turn yellowish-green, reddish, or sometimes shiny. They can grow up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, 0.4 inches (2 cm) wide, and 0.4 inches (1 cm) thick.

The pinkish-white flowers with grey-green keels appear on sparsely branched stalks that can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall from late summer to early fall.

How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis scabra

Light: H. scabra 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 temperatures in winter. H. scabra 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. scabra 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 it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.

Fertilizing: H. scabra 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. scabra 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 scabra

H. scabra is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Varieties of Haworthiopsis scabra

Photo Gallery

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