Haworthiopsis fasciata
Haworthiopsis fasciata · Asphodelaceae
📷 S Molteno · CC0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around haworthiopsis fasciata and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fleshy and striped
- Blooming
- Spring to early summer, yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 10 to 15 cm tall, 8 to 12 cm wide
- Growth
- Very slow
- Hardiness
- 0 to 5 °C (indoor plant)
- Origin
- South Africa (semi-arid)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, mineral, poor
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose une fois par mois en croissance, presque pas en hiver. Le piège est de penser que c'est une succulente qui tolère l'inondation : elle pourrit aux racines bien avant de manquer d'eau. Laisse le substrat sécher complètement entre les arrosages, et en dessous de 10°C, arrête presque totalement.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers noient ce zèbre en le traitant comme un cactus classique et en arrosant trop souvent, surtout en automne-hiver quand la plante n'a aucun besoin.
The pro's trick
Rempote dans un mélange minéral aéré (terreau cactus + 30% de perlite ou gravier fin) et ajoute une couche de cailloux au fond du pot pour que l'humidité n'y stagne jamais. Contrôle la qualité du drainage avant tout autre problème.
Seasonal watch
En automne et hiver, surveille l'humidité ambiante : si le chauffage est allumé et l'air sec, les feuilles se rident légèrement (c'est normal), mais un pot qui reste humide + froid = morte assurée. Ventile régulièrement et garde la plante au sec pendant la dormance hivernale.
Care
Watering
Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), then drastically reduce in fall-winter. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter, you can space waterings several weeks apart, or even stop almost completely depending on your region.
Light
Place it in bright, direct light near a south or east-facing window. It tolerates intense light well and needs it to maintain its characteristic stripes and compact shape. If it lacks light, it will become etiolated and lose its appeal.
Soil and drainage
Use a very well-draining substrate made of cactus soil mixed with coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. Drainage is crucial: the plant fears stagnant moisture more than anything else. Repot it every 2 to 3 years in spring only if necessary.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly from spring to summer with diluted cactus fertilizer, once a month maximum. In fall-winter, don't fertilize: the plant goes dormant. Be careful not to overdo it: a succulent prefers poor soil.
Pruning and propagation
No pruning is necessary; the plant grows naturally compact. To propagate it, detach lateral rosettes or offsets from the base in spring, let them callus over for 2 to 3 days, then plant them in dry, well-draining substrate.
Diseases and pests
Mainly fear rot from excess moisture: this is the main enemy. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites indoors, especially in dry air. Good drainage and ventilation prevent most problems.
Did you know?
The Haworthiopsis genus was long classified among Haworthia, but botanists separated it genetically. The nickname "zebra" comes from its characteristic white lines that run across each leaf, an adaptation to reflect the intense solar radiation of its native habitat. Highly appreciated by succulent collectors, it has conquered interiors around the world despite its complete lack of fragrance and notable non-toxicity.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Tree aloeAloe arborescens
- Lemon daylilyHemerocallis lilioasphodelus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.