Haworthia reinwardtii or Zebra Wart

Care of the succulent plant Haworthia reinwardtii or Zebra Wart

The genus Haworthia, family Asphodelaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Haworthia reinwardtii, Haworthia pumila, Haworthia marumiana, Haworthia limifolia, Haworthia herbacea, Haworthia attenuata, Haworthia angustifolia, Haworthia retusa, Haworthia variegata, Haworthia fasciata, Haworthia cooperi, Haworthia arachnoidea, Haworthia cuspidata, Haworthia viscosa, Haworthia turgida, Haworthia truncata.

Common names: Zebra Wart, Wart plant. Scientific synonyms: Tulista pumila, Haworthia margaritifera. This species is native to Eastern Cape, South Africa.

They are small succulent plants that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The interesting fleshy leaves grow in rosettes, are dark green in color and have white tubers on the underside. The flowers are small and appear on long flower stalks; they have no ornamental interest. They bloom in spring and occasionally in fall.

They are used in pots that are wider than they are tall and in rockeries in frost-free regions.

Haworthia reinwardtii prefers a semi-shade exposure; direct sun causes leaves to turn dark brown. In winter the temperature should not be less than 10 ºC (50 ºF).

A soil can be a mixture of 45% coarse siliceous sand, 45% well decomposed leaf mulch, and 10% garden substrate. Transplant every 2 years in spring and renew the substrate.

Water moderately throughout the year, waiting for the substrate to dry. It's important to know that in summer they go to rest; they will water once a month at most.

Fertilize with mineral cactus fertilizer once in spring and once in fall.

They do not need pruning.

The biggest danger for these plants is excess moisture.

They propagate easily by separation of suckers; root in a sandy and slightly damp substrate.