Care of the suculent plant Haworthia herbacea or Aloe herbacea |
|
The genus Haworthia, family Asphodelaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Haworthia herbacea, Haworthia attenuata, Haworthia angustifolia, Haworthia limifolia, Haworthia retusa, Haworthia pumila, Haworthia variegata, Haworthia fasciata, Haworthia cooperi, Haworthia arachnoidea, Haworthia cuspidata, Haworthia viscosa, Haworthia marumiana, Haworthia reinwardtii, Haworthia turgida, Haworthia truncata. This species is native to Cape Province, South Africa. They are succulent plants with leaves arranged in a rosette that reach 8 cm (3.14") in diameter. The leaves are dark green with white spots on the underside, small bumps on the upper surface, spines on the margin and white fibers on the apex. The flowers have no decorative interest. They are used in pots and planters for patios, terraces, greenhouses and interiors and also in rockeries and in gardens of cacti and succulents. Haworthia herbacea prefers a semi-shade exposure; in full sun the tips of the leaves are burned. They resist well the heat of the Mediterranean summer; they do not resist cold below 8 ºC (46.4 ºF). A winter rest period at 10-12 ºC (50-53 ºF) is recommended. The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture, in equal parts, of siliceous sand, leaf mulch, and peat moss. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry; if the plant needs water, the tips of the leaves turn brown. In autumn reduce watering; in winter water once a month at most. Fertilize with mineral cactus fertilizer once in spring and once in summer. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to pests but sensitive to excess humidity. They propagate by seeds sown in spring in a sandy substrate or by separation of suckers. |
Images of the succulent plant Haworthia herbacea or Aloe herbacea |
 Haworthia herbacea  Haworthia herbacea  Haworthia herbacea |