Haworthia fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is a slow-growing and peculiar-looking succulent that can be popularly found in gardens but has made its way as a conversation piece inside many homes.

Zebra Plant is the other name given to this succulent because of its thick, dark green leaves that are lined with horizontal Zebra-like stripes. These stripes are tubercles on the exterior that give the leaves a bumpy texture. Other names for Haworthia fasciata are Zebra Cactus and Zebra Haworhia.

Haworthia fasciata originates from South Africa and is drought-tolerant. Its thick leaves serve a wonderful purpose that it allows Zebra Plant to store water enabling it to survive long dry spells.

When Haworthia fasciata is exposed to the sun for a long period of time, the tips of its leaves might turn red. This type of succulent hardly produces flowers especially when grown indoors. If well taken care of, Haworthia fasciata can reach a height of 20cm (8”).

Zebra Plant may bloom in the summertime and you might be greeted with tiny pink or white flowers that have a tubular shape. It is part of the Asphodeloideae family with Haworthia as the Genus.

General Information:

Also known as: Zebra Plant, Zebra Haworthia, and Zebra Cactus
Plant Family: Asphodeloideae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 20cm (8”)
Exposure: Partial or indirect morning sun for 4 to 6 hours
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; give water only when the soil has completely dried out.
Soil Type: Cactus or potting mix with perlite, sand, or pumice.
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Haworthia Fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is easy to grow and care for and that’s why it’s a great choice for those who want to be first-time horticulturists.

You can grow Haworthia fasciata as part of your outdoor succulent garden or in a conservatory. Zebra Plant can also thrive indoors.

As a drought-tolerant succulent, Zebra Plant can endure high heat temperatures more than freezing climates. The minimum temperature to grow Haworthia fasciata is -1.1° C (30° F).

Sunlight

Haworthia fasciata grows well under partial or direct sunlight. As a garden succulent, place Zebra Plant in an area that receives 4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.

When temperatures in your region drop below freezing, bring Zebra Plant indoors and look for a place where it can receive 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight.

Even though Haworthia fasciata shares similarities with cacti, avoid exposing it under the direct heat of the afternoon sun for extended periods as the leaves can burn.

Likewise, avoid putting Zebra Plant under a shaded area for several hours as this will result in etiolation – a process whereby the leaves extend outward as if searching for sunlight. During etiolation, the leaves become thin, weak, and lanky.

Watering

Because Haworthia fasciata stores water in its leaves, there’s no need to water it frequently. Too much water will cause its roots to rot and this will lead to fungal infection.

Before watering Zebra Plant, make sure the soil is completely dry. Insert a stick an inch into the topsoil. If the stick feels dry, then it’s fine to water the soil.

The watering schedule in the winter months should be less frequent because the soil will stay moist longer.

Pot and Soil

Hobbyists who prefer Haworthia fasciata as an indoor plant like to house it in fancy pots with eye-catching design. Regardless of your eye for style, make sure the pot is made of ceramic or terracotta. These materials help the soil to dry out faster and more efficiently.

Zebra Plant will grow better in well-draining soil such as cactus mix. Add ingredients such as perlite, pumice, and sand to improve drainage.

To boost Haworthia fasciata’s health, you can add liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 months during the growth period of spring and summer. Don’t fertilize the soil during the winter months.

How to Propagate Haworthia Fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is very easy to propagate. The best method to add to your number of Zebra Plant in your home or garden is by using its pups or offsets.

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets that are growing in the base of the plant.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to dry out and develop calluses. This process should take around 2 to 3 days.

Step 3: Plant the offsets on well-draining soil such as a cactus mix or one that’s composed of potting soil mixed with one part perlite and one part sand.

Step 4: Water the soil when it has completely dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated on June 9, 2022 by Sofia Lara