James H. Schutte
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
HAWORTHIA fasciata
Plant Common Name
Haworthia
General Description
It is a sea anemone or a plant? Haworthia fasciata produces appealing rosettes of fleshy, pointy leaves marked with bumpy, raised white bands that make it look a bit like a sea creature. This frost-tender, succulent perennial is native to South Central South Africa in a region west of Port Elizabeth. It forms a clump of numerous small rosettes connected by a fleshy, fibrous root system.
The slender, rigid, upright leaves are delta-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 leaves of the similar zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata). Anytime in summer, the largest, most mature rosettes in the clump produce single, long, whip-like stems. Tiny white tubular flowers occur on the stems high above the foliage.
Grow 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 as is partial sun to bright filtered shade. 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, 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
2"-4" / 5.1cm - 10.2cm
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Width
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
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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, Sienna
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green, Dark Green, Pink, Copper
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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
