Haworthiopsis attenuata f. caespitosa

RHS Plant Profile

zebra plant

Other common names

fairy washboard

Synonyms

Haworthia attenuata f. caespitosa

Cactus Succulent

A clump-forming succulent to 12cm tall, with rosettes of stiffly fleshy, narrowly triangular, dark green leaves; these bear bands of white, warty tubercules on the outer surface. In summer, wiry stems to 40cm long carry tubular white flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asphodelaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Haworthiopsis are stemless succulent perennials forming rosettes of thick-skinned, fleshy leaves often with raised white tubercles, and with upright racemes of tubular, two-lipped flowers
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost in full light with protection from hot sun. Provide low humidity and good ventilation. When in growth water moderately and apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen fertiliser once or twice. Keep almost dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Sow seed at 21-24°C in spring, separate offsets or take leaf cuttings in spring and summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free