Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis scabra var. starkiana (Poelln.) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia scabra subsp. starkiana, Haworthia scabra var. starkiana, Haworthia starkiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Origin
This variety is native to South Africa (Schoemanspoort, north of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape Province), where it occurs on steep, hot north-facing slopes, forming large clumps.
Description
Haworthiopsis scabra var. starkiana, formerly known as Haworthia scabra var. starkiana or Haworthia starkiana, is an attractive small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of bright yellow‑green leaves. The rosettes grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, slowly offsetting to form a large clump. Leaves can be short, incurved, and twisted spirally to one side, or they can be longer, suberect, and less twisted. This variety has similar branched slender inflorescences and growth form to Haworthiopsis scabra var. scabra. Flowers are pinkish-white with grey-green keels and appear from late summer to early fall.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "starkiana (stark-ee-AY-nuh)" honors Prof. Peter Stark (fl. 1934).
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis scabra var. starkiana
Light: H. scabra var. starkiana 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. scabra var. starkiana 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 var. starkiana 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. scabra var. starkiana 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. scabra var. starkiana is mostly and easily grown from stem cuttings or by removing offsets from the mother plant. Take 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 var. starkiana
H. scabra var. starkiana 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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