Scientific Name
Tulista pumila var. sparsa (M.Hayashi) Breuer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia sparsa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodeloideae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Tulista
Etymology
The varietal epithet "sparsa (SPAR-suh)" means "scattered, strewn, sprinkled" and refers to the arrangement of tubercles.
Origin
This variety is native to South Africa (Western Cape).
Description
Tulista pumila var. sparsa, formerly known as Haworthia sparsa, is a slow-growing succulent that forms small rosettes of triangular leaves with much fewer tubercles than Tulista pumila var. pumila. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The leaves are upright, incurved, and olive-green to purplish-brown.
The flowers are tubular, brownish-white, and appear in thin inflorescences that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Tulista pumila var. sparsa
Light: Tulistas tolerate full sun, but they prefer semi-shaded positions. Any window in your home or office will likely be an appropriate setting for Tulistas.
Soil: Use a commercial soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own well-draining potting mix.
Hardiness: Tulista pumila var. sparsa 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 Tulistas 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 Tulistas are mostly dormant, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Tulistas do not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilization is a good idea. Feed during the growing season with a weak fertilizer solution. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Repotting: When it begins to outgrow its pot, repot your Tulista in a new shallow and slightly larger pot with fresh soil. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: Using seeds or offsets are the most frequently used methods.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tulista.
Toxicity of Tulista pumila var. sparsa
Tulistas are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Tulista
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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