Jessie Keith
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
HAWORTHIA coarctata
Plant Common Name
Haworthia
General Description
This somewhat upright-growing haworthia produces tightly-packed, columnar rosettes of pointed leaves marked with numerous tiny white spots. Old, establish plants resemble sea coral. This frost-tender, succulent perennial is native to South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. It develops into a substantial clump comprised connected by fleshy, fibrous roots.
The rosettes are made up of pointy, rigid leaves that grow into short upright columns. Raised dots or bumps (tubercles) cover the leaves. When growing conditions are chilly or dry the normally the bluish to olive leaves turn reddish or blackish burgundy (a sign of stress). Anytime from late spring to fall, the largest, most mature rosettes produce long, whip-like flower stems. Tiny greenish-white, tubular flowers occur on the stems high above the foliage.
Grow haworthia 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 Shade
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Height
6"-10" / 15.2cm - 25.4cm
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Width
8"-16" / 20.3cm - 40.6cm
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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, Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Blue Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Blue Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Blue Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Blue Green, Olive, Pink, Burgundy
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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
