Maureen Gilmer
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
HAWORTHIA emelyae
Plant Common Name
Haworthia
General Description
The leathery, fleshy leaves of Haworthia emelyae form succulent rosettes that resemble desert starfish. This frost-tender, perennial is native to southwestern South Africa. It grows from a fleshy, fibrous root system and slowly creates a cluster of plants in a mounded clump.
The plump, short leaves look triangular and emerge from the center of the rosette. Each leaf is bright to olive-green with crackled with veins of a contrasting shade. When subjected to drought stress or cold the green pigments blush red. Mature plants produce upright, wiry stems of tiny, tubular white flowers in late spring or summer.
Grow this haworthia in any sandy, fast-draining soil that is slightly moist during the growing season. Soil should be drier during the winter months. A non-acid soil is ideal. Partial sun to bright filtered shade is ideal. Excessive sun and very dry soil causes leaves to turn red, curl and eventually dry-out and die. Low ambient humidity is needed for best health. Plant this haworthia in frost-free shady rock gardens or patio containers. They also make great houseplants.
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, 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
2"-3" / 5.1cm - 7.6cm
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Width
4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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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)
Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Olive, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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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
