Haworthiopsis fasciata
| Light | Bright, indirect light; some direct sun tolerated with care |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderately in growth; let the mix dry out between waterings, sparingly in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining, gritty mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Offsets (primary); leaf cuttings and seed also possible |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Haworthiopsis fasciata is a small, slow-growing rosette succulent from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, prized for the raised white bands that cross the outer faces of its dark green leaves. Often sold as the zebra cactus (though it is a succulent, not a cactus), it closely resembles the more common Haworthiopsis attenuata; the reliable difference is that in true H. fasciata the inner face of each leaf is smooth and lacks the raised tubercles, so the white "zebra" banding is confined to the leaf undersides. Because of this, genuine specimens are surprisingly uncommon in the trade, and most plants labelled "fasciata" in shops are actually H. attenuata.
Description
Haworthiopsis fasciata forms a compact, stemless rosette usually 5–10 cm across, made up of stiff, incurved, triangular leaves that taper to a fine point. The leaves are firm and dark green, with the outer (lower) surface decorated by bands of raised white tubercles that run crosswise, producing the zebra-striped effect. The inner (upper) surface, by contrast, is smooth and unmarked — the key trait separating it from look-alikes.
In good light the leaf tips and margins may take on a reddish or bronze cast. Mature rosettes offset freely from the base, gradually building up a tight cluster. Slender flower stalks appear in the warmer months, carrying small, tubular, greenish-white flowers that are modest compared with the foliage most growers value it for.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it grows in acidic, sandy soils on rocky outcrops, often tucked among stones or beneath the light shade of surrounding shrubs and grasses. In habitat it grows in partial shade and endures seasonal drought in poor, sandy soils.
Cultivation
Haworthiopsis fasciata is an easygoing, undemanding houseplant and a good choice for beginners. Grow it in a fast-draining, mostly mineral mix in a pot with ample drainage, and give it bright, indirect light; a little direct morning sun brings out colour, but harsh afternoon sun through glass can scorch the leaves. Unlike many succulents it copes well with the lower light of a windowsill, though it will etiolate if kept too dark.
Water moderately during active growth, allowing the mix to dry out between waterings, and cut back sharply in winter when the plant rests. As with most Haworthiopsis, the commonest cause of loss is overwatering, which rots the roots and base. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
The easiest method is division of the offsets that cluster around the base of an established rosette: detach a rooted pup, let any wound callus, and pot it into the same gritty mix. Leaf cuttings can also be taken, though Haworthiopsis leaves root more reluctantly than those of softer succulents, and seed is possible where flowers are hand-pollinated. See Propagation — offsets and Propagation — cuttings for details.
Common problems
- Rot — almost always from overwatering or a slow-draining mix; the base and roots soften and brown.
- Etiolation — too little light stretches the rosette and pales the leaves, losing the tight zebra-striped form.
- Scorch — sudden exposure to intense direct sun can bleach or brown the leaf faces.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff between the leaves and at the roots) and, less often, spider mites are the usual culprits.
See also
- Haworthiopsis — the genus overview
- Haworthiopsis attenuata — the common look-alike frequently sold under this name
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Propagation — offsets · Propagation — cuttings