Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
HAWORTHIA fasciata 'Big Band'
Plant Common Name
Big Band Haworthia, Haworthia
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
This ornate cultivar of haworthia produces more prominent bumpy, raised white bands on the pointy, dark green leaves. 'Big Band' resembles an ocean anemone or urchin found in a coral reef, but with stripes like a zebra. This frost-tender, succulent perennial is native to south-central South Africa. It develops into a clump containing numerous small rosettes with a fleshy, fibrous root system.
The slender, rigid, upright leaves are deltoid-shaped in cross-section. Bumpy ridges (comprised of numerous tubercles) occur in bands on the outsides of the leaves in the rosette. On the upper or inner leaf sides, there are no tubercles (unlike that of the close-resembling Haworthia attenuata). Anytime in summer, the largest, most mature plants in the clump produce a long, whip-like stem. Tiny white flowers occur on the stems high above the foliage.
Grow 'Big Band' 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 this haworthia as a shady rock garden accent or in patio containers. A clump of them 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.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Dark Green
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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
