Haworthia attenuata, a succulent work of art
Are you a fan of Yayoi Kusama, but can't afford her famous spotted pumpkin (yet)? Console yourself with a Haworthiopsis attenuata. Native to South Africa, this succulent of the Lilaceae family boasts foliage worthy of the Japanese artist's works. Haworthiopsis attenuata was also known as Haworthia attenuata.
How to recognize Haworthiopsis attenuata?
Haworthiopsis attenuata is a fat, upright plant. It grows to no more than 15 cm in all directions.
Haworthiopsis attenuata is aculeate. Its leaves grow in a rosette. Narrow and tapering, they measure no more than six centimetres in length. The dark-green blades are dotted with raised white spots. Their size and distribution vary according to hybrid and cultivar.
Haworthiopsis attenuata is often confused with haworthiopsis fasciata and aristaloe aristata. If you're not sure which species you're holding, look at the underside of the foliage. Haworthiopsis attenuata's underside is speckled with white. Haworthiopsis fasciata is plain. Are both sides mottled? A final check is in order. Examine the leaf edges. If it's embroidered with thorns, then the plant is not a haorthiopsis. It's an Aloe aristata.
Haworthiopsis attenuata blooms in spring, even in our latitudes. A 30-centimetre flowering stem bears tubular flowers in clusters. White, they are streaked with brown or green.
Haworthiopsis attenuata is non-toxic. You can handle it without risk. It is also safe if ingested by small children or pets.
Our maintenance tips
To grow haworthiopsis attenuata indoors, reproduce the conditions of their natural environment! Sun, warmth and little water. You can even take your succulent out to your windowsill or garden in summer.
Watering
Haworthiopsis attenuata come from arid regions. These plants are drought tolerant, but still require watering.
Water only when the substrate is dry, using rainwater at room temperature. If you don't have any, you can use mains water that has been left to stand for 24 hours.
To replenish its reserves, your Haworthiopsis attenuata needs copious watering. Water the soil until it is completely moist and the water runs off through the pot's drainage holes.
Drain any stagnant water from the cup or planter. It may rot the roots.
Spray
Haworthiopsis attenuata grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Haworthiopsis attenuata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Haworthiopsis attenuata plants need repotting only when their roots begin to emerge from the pot.
In this case, choose an earthenware pot with a hole barely larger than the previous one (about 5 centimetres) : it will promote drainage.
Lay down a layer of clay balls or gravel before pouring in a substrate suitable for succulents. You can also mix a third of sand with your potting soil. Tamp regularly to eliminate air pockets and replant your Haworthiopsis attenuata.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
If you want to stimulate the growth of your Haworthiopsis attenuata, mix a liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents with the water when watering.
Prune
You can remove the dead leaves.
It's important not to prune the tips of the leaves. This will stop the growth of your Haworthiopsis attenuata.
It's important not to prune the tips of the leaves. This will stop the growth of your Haworthiopsis attenuata.
Plantation
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Where's the best place to plant your Haworthiopsis attenuata? A sunny spot at the top of a slope, to encourage rainwater drainage.
Dig a large hole to give the roots room to spread out. As for repotting, place a layer of gravel at the bottom, followed by a layer of substrate. Place your plant in the center and cover with soil, possibly enriched with leaf compost. Press down to eliminate air pockets and water.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Separate a seedling, with its root system, from the mother plant. If their roots are intertwined, sever them with a clean knife.
Prepare a pierced terracotta pot. Block the hole with a pebble and lay a bed of gravel. Pour in a substrate composed of one third potting soil, one third soil and one third sand to promote drainage. Plant your offshoot, tamp it down and add a layer of sand to the surface.
Place your new succulent in a bright room, but without direct sunlight and with a temperature of at least 18 degrees.
Between two applications of water, check that the substrate has dried out, as you would with a mature plant.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Asphodelaceae - Asphodelaceae |
Type | Haworthiopsis - Haworthiopsis |
Species | Haworthiopsis attenuata - Haworthiopsis attenuata |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposures | |
Substrats | |
Planting methods |
In pots In tubs Planter |
Categories | |
Tags |
Beginner Small pot |
Origin |
South Africa |
Hardiness (USDA) | 11a |
Leaf color |
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Flower color |
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