The zebra Haworthia, sometimes known as the “Zebra Plant” or zebra Haworthia, is a short-growing succulent with spiky foliage. The bumpy white zebra-like patterns on the leaves give this fleshy succulent plant its common name. Haworthia fasciata, sometimes known as “zebra plant,” is a genuine succulent, albeit it resembles tiny cacti or aloe.
How to care for Zebra Haworthia succulent: Grow it in part sun and plant it in a well-draining cactus potting soil to care for Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plant.” Average humidity is required by the Zebra cactus. Water the zebra Haworthia as much as the soil needs it. Between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 26°C), they grow best. Throughout the growing season, fertilize on occasion.
Haworthia attenuata is frequently confused with Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plant.” The leaves of Haworthia attenuata are rough, whereas the leaves of Haworthia fasciata are smooth. Additionally, the leaves of Haworth fasciata are thicker and curve inward more than those of Haworthia attenuata.
Haworthia fasciata has a slow growth rate when compared to other succulents and cacti species (upper picture). Only about 4” (10 cm) high grows this slow-growing fleshy-leaved Haworthia plant. It has upright, thick triangular leaves with a rosette pattern. The zebra’s succulent appearance is further enhanced by the horizontal white stripes.
Haworthiopsis fasciata is the scientific name for Haworthia fasciata. These tiny succulent plants are endemic to South Africa and thrives in hot, dry environments on rocks. Over-collecting has almost wiped out Haworthia Zebra plants in the wild. Succulents known as Zebra are simple to maintain as houseplants.
The care of Haworthia fasciata (also known as the Zebra Plant) is covered in this article. When growing “Zebra Plants” indoors, you’ll learn how to deal with problems at the conclusion of the article.
Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Flowers
If grown in the right conditions, “Zebra” Haworthia can flower indoors. Haworthia flowers bloom in the summer on long, thin stalks. These succulents bloom in the fall in their native environment. To bloom indoors, however, they need to have ideal growing conditions.
Unlike some succulent species, Haworthia plants don’t die after blooming. Monocarpic (plants that blooming once before dying) plants are not monocot types. It is recommended that you keep a blooming “Zebra Plant” alive for many years, if you are lucky enough to have one.
How to Care for Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
At home, Haworthia fasciata is a simple plant to care for. Avoiding soggy or waterlogged potting soil is the most important care need. Therefore, only water the little zebra plant when the soil is dry; otherwise, keep it in partial sunlight. Let’s take a deeper look at how to grow this striped “zebra” succulent.
Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Light Requirements
Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plant” thrives in partial sun and benefits from bright indirect light. Haworthia fasciata grows well in partially shaded locations with 4-6 hours of morning light when planted outdoors. Zebra plant should be placed on a window seal with bright indirect light in the morning when grown indoors.
But, when the sun is stronger in the afternoon, be sure to shade this area. The foliage of the Haworthia fasciata plant may burn in direct sunlight during the summer. As a result, although sun-loving zebra plants need some protection from windows, they benefit from direct sunlight. This plant can scorch its leaves if it is exposed to direct sunlight in the afternoon.
Haworthias thrive in partial shade, despite the fact that cactus and succulents are more common in full sun. As a result, you may cultivate succulent plants indoors using artificial lighting. Zebra succulents are excellent plants for tabletops, on shelves, or as part of an indoor succulent garden because of their small compact growth habit and ability to thrive in partially shaded areas.
How Often to Water Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
Water Haworthia fasciata “Zebra plant” as frequently as the soil dries out to keep it alive. You may only have to water the zebra plant every two or three weeks throughout the spring and summer. Instead, it can be done weekly if it’s too hot. Waterless “Zebra Plants” can survive for many weeks during the winter.
Instead, use soil and leaf development as a guide for when to water rather than a fixed watering schedule. When should you water your zebra plant? The soil should be almost dry the first sign. Of drought, Haworthia plants are rather forgiving. As a result, you can rest assured that “Zebra Plants,” which store moisture in their fleshy leaves, are not underwatered. When their leaves start to curl, the second sign is present.
Pour a large amount of water into the soil until it drains out the bottom of the pot to water a Haworthia fasciata plant. The roots are nourished and hydrated by deep watering. The roots can also absorb enough moisture to make the triangular leaves look plump by using this succulent plant watering technique.
Water your zebra plants lightly but thoroughly when it comes to watering them. The frequency with which you need to water Haworthia Zebras may be affected by a variety of factors. The following are the various types:
- Sunlight—Moisture will vanish more quickly in the sun than in the shade because of the amount of light. When growing in full sun, a “Zebra Plant” will need watering more often than when growing in partial shade.
- Seasons—Despite its slow growth rate, “Zebra” Haworthia requires watering more frequently in the spring and summer. You don’t have to water the plant very often in the winter, when development stops.
- Type of pot—Clay pots lose moisture more quickly than plastic or ceramic pots, which are unglazed. Succulents and cacti prefer clay pots since the soil dries quicker. When growing in terracotta pots, this means you’ll have to water Haworthias more often.
The Best Type of Soil for Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
Plant Zebra Haworthia in a sandy, loamy soil that has excellent drainage to care for it properly. A cactus potting combination is the ideal soil for Haworthias. To offer drainage, combine one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite to make your own optimum growing soil.
Water must be able to flow easily in the growing medium for Zebra Haworthia. overwatering or allowing the roots to sit in moist soil are the quickest ways to kill a Haworthia succulent. Between watering, the optimum potting soil should dry out. There are a few ingredients you can add to a cactus potting mix if you need to create an aerated type of soil for “Zebra Plants. The following are the possible choices:
- Perlite
- Aquarium gravel
- Poultry grit
- Horticultural pumice
- Vermiculite
- Bits of activated charcoal
Temperature Requirements to Grow Zebra Haworthia
The temperature range for Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plants” is 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 26°C). Room temperatures are ideal for growing Haworthia plants as long as they don’t change quickly. Although they are cold hardy to 40°F (4°C), Haworthia “Zebra” has a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C).
To thrive indoors, try to maintain warmer temperatures when growing “Zebra” Haworthia plants. Temperatures of more than 70°F (21°C) are ideal in the spring, summer, and fall. Place the striped succulent in a cool, unfrozen room throughout the winter. The plant has time to recuperate in the cold temperatures.
USDA zones 9 to 11 are home to the horticultural Haworthiopsis fasciata “Zebra Plant.” Throughout the summer, if you reside in colder climes, you may put your zebra plant pots out. Put it in the garden where it receives morning sunlight and place it in partial shade. Bring the small succulents back indoors when the nighttime temperature drops below 55°F (12°C).
Humidity for Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
There are no particular humidity requirements for zebra Haworthia plants. In dry air, they flourish and thrive, and their household humidity is ideal for healthy development. While they don’t need humid conditions, “Zebra Plants” need good air circulation. Therefore, put the plants in a spot with excellent air circulation and ventilation. Haworthia fasciata plants need access to fresh air for three reasons. The following are the available options:
- The succulents collect carbon dioxide during the night, so ventilation helps with photosynthesis.
- When succulents and cacti are growing in direct light, adequate air circulation helps them to cool down.
- Excess water in the soil after watering is helped to evaporate by proper ventilation.
How to Fertilize Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plants” aren’t demanding with regards to fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer for cacti to feed a Haworthia plant. Fertilize two or three times throughout the growing season with a half-strength solution for Haworthia fasciata.
Haworthia species are succulent plants that don’t need a lot of water to thrive. Haworthia succulents, like most houseplants, go dormant in the winter. You should also refrain from watering the “Zebra Plants” during this period and watch for moisture in the soil.
Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Growth Rate
A kind of slow-growing succulent plant known as Haworthia fasciata To reach their full height of 4″ to 8″ (10 – 20 cm), these succulents require many years. Indoor zebra succulents can live for many years if cared for properly. An attractive potted plant will emerge from the thick, dark-green fibrous leaves with brilliant white stripes. Its healthy growth will also produce flowers on the end of long stems if you get the growing conditions just right.
Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Propagation
Offsets and leaves may be used to propagate “Zebra” Haworthia. With a sharp clean knife, remove the offsets or “pups” that sprout around the mother plant’s roots to propagate Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plants” by offsets. Allow the wound to heal for a few days. Next, put a Haworthia fasciata in a container with cactus potting soil.
Give the plant a long soak after a week. Treat the mother plant and the Haworthia fasciata the same way. Remove a healthy leaf from the main plant with a sterile sharp knife to propagate “Zebra” Haworthia by leaf cutting. Make sure to get rid of the whole leaf.
Place the Haworthia fasciata in a well-draining soil after allowing the wound to dry for many days. Water severely when the land has dried completely, rather than overdoing it. Roots will form on the leaf, and it will turn into a new plant.
Avoiding over-watering after propagation is critical. Moisture can be problematic for the cut plant leaves’ base. Root rot can quickly spread and destroy the small, developing succulent if you’re not careful.
Do Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plant” Require Repotting?
Haworthia plants that are “zebra” rarely need to be repotted. Because of the plant’s sluggish development, “Zebra Plants” are rarely rootbound. Separate offshoots for propagation are the reasons to repot a Haworthia Zebra. To refresh the potting soil, you may alternatively repot the zebra succulent.
Remove the succulent from the pot and repot it as a “Zebra Plant.” A sharp, sterile knife should be used to separate any offshoots. Check the roots for indications of sickness, such as brown or mushy roots. Fill the cactus pot with three-quarters of a full bag of cactus potting soil. Fill the rest of the area with soil and plant a Haworthia succulent.
Select a new pot that is one to two sizes bigger if your compact succulent has outgrown its initial container. Just make sure there are a few holes in the bottom of the pot. These apertures are required for water to drain rapidly and prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
How to Prune Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
Pruning “Zebra Plants” isn’t required, and it won’t affect the succulent’s development. Like many aloes, cactus, and other succulent plants, pruning isn’t required. If the leaves die or you want to propagate from leaf cuttings, you’ll need to trim them once.
Pests Affecting Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Growth
Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are the three most common houseplant pests that affect “Zebra” fasciata. These insect-like creatures may lurk in the plant’s shadowed recesses undetected. Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can all harm the plant’s health if they aren’t handled properly. Haworthia fasciata pests may be shown by one or more of the following indications:
- Spider mites—Between the fleshy succulent leaves, you’ll find webbing. It’s difficult to detect spider mites on succulents unless they’ve spread extensively.
- Scale insects—These nasty insects feed on the plant’s juices by sticking to succulent plants’ leaves. Insects that feed on the leaves often have abnormal growth. Insects are generally immobile and remain in one spot.
- Mealybugs—A white, cottony-wool substance on the succulent leaves may be used to identify mealybugs. These tiny white fuzzy insects can also be seen crawling on leaves.
For information on how to naturally rid your home of common houseplant pests, read this article. You’ll learn how to get rid of mites, flies, and other pests from succulents in this article.
Diseases Affecting Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Growth
Roots rot, decay, and become mushy due to root rot, which is the most common ailment that affects succulent plants. Root rot may spread to the fasciata stem, killing the plant in the process. By watering your succulents properly, you can avoid root rot in Haworthia fasciata. Before hydrating, always make sure the soil is completely dry.
After that, pour water into the soil until it is saturated, and let excess water drain away. Repot your Haworthia “Zebra Plant” in fresh, sterile potting soil if it demonstrates symptoms of root rot. Make sure that moisture evaporates quickly from the new growing medium and that roots don’t stay overly wet by making sure it’s aerated and loose.
Are Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant” Toxic?
Cats, dogs, and other household pets are not poisoned by the term “Zebra Plants.”
FAQs About Caring for Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
When it comes to care, “Zebra Plants” are extremely forgiving. They continue to expand even if you don’t pay attention to them. There are, however, a few indications that your plant may require additional care.
Why is my zebra succulent turning brown?
If your plant is getting too much sun or excessive heat, brown leaves on Haworthia “Zebra” are a warning sign. Moving the succulent plant out of the sun is the best option. The succulent leaves should regain their “zebra” patterns after the brown colors have faded.
The redish Zebra plant leaves are another symptom of too much intense sunlight. The succulent leaf margins of sunburned plants may turn red as a result. The leaves should return to their original vivid green and white colors if you move the plant to partial shade.
Why is my Haworthiopsis fasciata “Zebra Plant” dying?
If you’ve overwatered the succulent, Haworthia fasciata “Zebra Plants” may perish, and it’s been in the cold for too long. Therefore, repot the plant and remove dead roots in order to help revitalize a dying Zebra Haworthia. To improve the plant’s look, you may need to cut away dead leaves.