Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis tortuosa (Haw.) Gildenh. & Klopper
Synonyms
Aloe tortuosa (basionym), Catevala tortuosa, Haworthiopsis x tortuosa, Haworthia tortuosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Description
Haworthiopsis tortuosa, formerly known as Haworthia tortuosa, is a small succulent, up to 15 cm tall, with elongated rosettes of leaves arranged in a spiral along the stem. Leaves are thick, rough, sometimes with small tubercles, dull green, triangular, pointed, up to 1.2 inch (3 cm) long and up to 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) wide. Flowers are white and appear on a up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall inflorescence. It is a very variable plant in shape, size and color of leaves.
Photo via lapshin.org
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These succulents are not considered difficult houseplants to grow. If you can keep a pot of Aloe alive on a windowsill, chances are you can do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most dangerous situation is too much water. They should never be allowed to sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, these decorative, little plants can be grown in interesting containers such as tea cups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, make sure the container had adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually remaining between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) in height, and relatively slow-growing. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its dish, repot in the spring or early summer into a new wide and shallow dish with fresh potting soil. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Origin
Haworthiopsis tortuosa is a very variable plant, supposed to be a hybrid of Haworthiopsis viscosa.
Links
- Back to genus Haworthiopsis
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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