James H. Schutte
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
HAWORTHIA attenuata var. radula
Plant Common Name
Haworthia, Silver Zebra Plant
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
The silver zebra plant produces numerous tiny white spots on its upright green leaves, making them look silvery green. It also resembles an ocean anemone or urchin found in a coral reef. This frost-tender, succulent perennial is native to a small area to the west of Port Elizabeth in southern South Africa. It develops into a clump containing numerous small rosettes with a fibrous root system.
The rigid, upright leaves are slightly longer and more slender than those of the standard zebra plant, Haworthia attenuata. Raised dots or bumps (tubercles) cover the leaves in profusion, masking much of the green leaf color. Anytime from late spring to fall, the largest, most mature plants in the clump produce a long, whip-like stem. Tiny greenish white flowers occur on the stems high above the foliage.
Grow the silver zebra plant in any sandy, fast-draining soil that is barely moist to dry. A non-acidic soil is ideal. Although tolerant of partial sun, excessive sun exposure causes leaves to blush reddish orange or leaves to scald and die. A partially shaded location is best, such as with brief morning sun followed by very bright, indirect light the rest of the day. Wet soil quickly leads to rot, especially during chilly winter months. Low ambient humidity is always needed. Outdoors where hardy, use zebra plants as a shady rock garden groundcover accent or in patio containers. A clump of zebra plants also grows easily and well as houseplants in bright, filtered light. Avoid over-watering the sandy potting soil when grown indoors, and keep the air moving freely among the leaves.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade
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Height
5"-6" / 12.7cm - 15.2cm
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Width
5"-10" / 12.7cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Southern Africa, South Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
SpottedMottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
