Felder Rushing
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
HAWORTHIA attenuata
Plant Common Name
Haworthia, Zebra Plant
General Description
The zebra plant produces rosettes of pointy green leaves with bumpy, raised white bands. It resembles an ocean anemone or sea urchin. This frost tender, succulent perennial is native to the southeastern cape of South Africa. It develops into a clump with numerous small rosettes connected by fleshy, fibrous roots.
The succulent, rigid, upright leaves are triangular in cross-section. Bumpy ridges (comprised of numerous tubercles) occur in bands on the outsides of the leaves in the rosette. Only random tiny white raised dots litter the inner leaf sides. Anytime from late spring to fall, large, mature rosettes in the clump produce long, whip-like flower stems. Tiny greenish white flowers occur on the stems high above the foliage.
Grow the zebra plant in sandy, fast-draining soil that is barely moist. A non-acid soil is ideal. Partial sun is best, particularly a site with brief morning sun followed by very bright, indirect light the rest of the day. Excessive sun exposure causes leaves to blush reddish orange and sometimes to scald and die. Wet soil quickly causes root and stem rot, especially during chilly winter months. Low ambient humidity is always needed. Where hardy, plant zebra plants as a shady rock garden groundcover accent or in patio containers. It also fares well as a houseplant if provided bright, filtered light, light water and sandy potting mix.
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 Sun, 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
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early 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, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Striped/Striated, 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
