Haworthiopsis reinwardtii aka Zebra Cactus

Taxonomy

Haworthiopsis reinwardtii, formerly known as Haworthia reinwardtii, is a succulent flowering plant that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. Native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental species. These tiny succulents form a mat of rosettes with lance-shaped olive-green leaves adorned with white spots. During the dry season, their succulent leaves store water due to their adaptation to harsh, dry climates. They also employ a unique form of photosynthesis, only exchanging gases at night, which aids in water retention. In the spring, H. reinwardtii produces small tubular pinkish-white flowers that appear in lax racemes on stems that can reach up to 30cm in length. Despite their origins in Southern Africa, these plants have found homes in households worldwide.

Common names

Zebra Cactus, Reinwardt's Cactus, Zebra Haworthiopsis, Reinwardt's Haworthiopsis

How to care for Zebra Cactus

Water

Zebra Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Zebra Cactus is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Zebra Cactus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Zebra Cactus prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Zebra Cactus is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Zebra Cactus’s native range is Southern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia