Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis scabra var. lateganiae (Poelln.) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia lateganiae, Haworthia scabra var. lateganiae, Haworthia starkiana var. lateganiae
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The varietal epithet "lateganiae (lat-ee-GAN-ee-ay)" honors Mrs. L. Lategan (fl. 1937), a farmer's wife in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, South Africa.
Origin
Haworthiopsis scabra var. lateganiae is native to South Africa. It occurs in white quartz outcrops around Oudemuragie in the Western Cape province.
Description
Haworthiopsis scabra var. lateganiae, formerly known as Haworthia scabra var. lateganiae, is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of fleshy, smooth, shiny green leaves. The rosettes can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter and slowly produce offsets, forming a dense clump with age. This variety is similar to Haworthiopsis scabra var. starkiana but has darker, dull green leaves in contrast to the bright yellow‑green of the latter. Additionally, its leaves are longer and more slender.
The pinkish-white flowers with grey-green keels appear from late summer to early fall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis scabra var. lateganiae
Light: H. scabra var. lateganiae 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. scabra var. lateganiae 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. scabra var. lateganiae 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. scabra var. lateganiae is a slow-growing plant and 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 into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: H. scabra var. lateganiae 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 scabra var. lateganiae
H. scabra var. lateganiae 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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