Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis venosa (Lam.) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Aloe venosa, Catevala venosa, Haworthia venosa
Common Name(s)
Breede Haworthia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthiopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "venosa" (pronounced "ven-OH-suh") means "full of veins" and refers to the prominent veins on the upper surface of this species.
Origin
Haworthiopsis venosa is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Breede River Valley.
Description
Haworthiopsis venosa, formerly known as Haworthia venosa, is a small succulent that forms slowly proliferous, usually stemless rosettes of fleshy, dark green to brownish leaves with veins arranged in a net-like pattern on the upper surface. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, forming a dense clump over time. The leaves are ovate-deltoid with a smooth upper surface and a usually slightly scabrid lower surface. They can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. In its natural habitat, the leaves are always erect, whereas in cultivation they tend to recurve. The margins of the leaves have white recurved teeth.
The flowers are small, white with a green midrib, and appear in a raceme at the end of lax, sparsely branched stalks in summer. The flower stalks can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthiopsis venosa
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
These succulents are not considered difficult to grow as houseplants. 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 overwatering. They should never be allowed to sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, these small decorative plants can be grown in interesting containers such as teacups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, ensure the container has adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) tall, and relatively slow-growing. Therefore, they are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow containers. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its container, repot into a new, wide, shallow container with fresh potting soil in the spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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