Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis tortuosa (Haw.) Gildenh. & Klopper
Synonym(s)
Aloe tortuosa, Catevala tortuosa, Haworthia tortuosa, Haworthia ×tortuosa, Haworthiopsis ×tortuosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "tortuosa (tor-tew-OH-suh)" means "twisting, tortuous" and refers to the arrangement of leaves on the stem.
Origin
The origin of this very variable species is unknown. It is supposed to be a hybrid of Haworthiopsis viscosa.
Description
Haworthiopsis tortuosa, formerly known as Haworthia tortuosa, is a small succulent with triangular leaves arranged in a spiral along the stem. It can grow up to 15 cm tall. The leaves are dull green, rough, and sometimes with small tubercles. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.
The white flowers appear on slender stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall from spring to fall.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis tortuosa
Light: Although most species can tolerate full sun, these succulents thrive in semi-shaded positions. However, brighter light conditions are needed to bring out the leaf coloration.
Soil: Plant your Haworthiopsis in commercial soil formulated for succulents or make your own well-draining potting mix.
Hardiness: Haworthiopsis tortuosa 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 Haworthiopsis thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Haworthiopsis is mostly dormant, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Haworthiopsis are slow-growing succulents and do not require much fertilizer. Therefore, feed with a dilute fertilizer and only from spring to fall.
Repotting: When the plant has outgrown its container, repot in the spring or early summer into a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Propagation: Haworthiopsis are mostly and easily grown from stem cuttings or by removing offsets from the mother plant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis.
Toxicity of Haworthiopsis tortuosa
Haworthiopsis species are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Forms of Haworthiopsis tortuosa
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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