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

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (arid regions of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces).

Description

Haworthiopsis scabra, formerly known as Haworthia scabra, is a slow-growing succulent with stemless rosettes of rough, deep green leaves covered with dense tubercles. The rosettes grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Leaves can also turn yellowish-green, reddish, or sometimes shiny. They are up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, up to 0.4 inches (2 cm) wide, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) thick. Flowers are pinkish-white with grey-green keels and appear in late summer to early fall on sparsely branched, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall inflorescences.

Etymology

The specific epithet "scabra (SKAY-bruh)" is the feminine form of the Latin adjective "scaber," meaning "rough, scabrous" or "scabby, mangy, itchy" and refers to the texture of the leaves.

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 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 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. scabra is mostly dormant, water just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.

Fertilizing: H. scabra 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 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.