Haworthia fasciata (haw-WORTH-ee-uh fass-ee-AY-tuh), now called Haworthiopsis fasciata, is a succulent plant native to the South African bush.
Haworthia plants are often compared to Gasteria plants, and sometimes even confused with Aloe plants. However, not surprisingly, like Aloes, Haworthia fasciata belongs to the family Asphodeloideae and the genus Haworthia.
These plants have thick, dark green leaves with horizontal zebra stripes of white tubercles, warts or white bumps on the outer surface of the thick leaves.
Thanks to these distinctive and beautiful leaves, these plants have received common names:
- Zebra plant
- Zebra cactus
- Zebra Haworthia
Quick Care Tips for Haworthiopsis Fasciata
- Botanical name: Haworthiopsis Fasciata
Common names: Zebra plant, Zebra Haworthia
Synonyms: Haworthia Fasciata
Family and Ancestry: Family Asphodelaceae, native to South Africa
Cultivation possibility: Easy to grow
Growth zone: USDA zones 9-11
size: Grows to 5-8′ inches
Flowering: It produces small white flowers in summer
light: Prefers bright, indirect light
Humidity: Tolerates low humidity
temperature: It thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F
soil: A well-draining soil mix
water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Manure: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer
Pests and diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, and can rot if overwatered
breeding: Propagate by offsets or leaf cuttings
Uses of the plant: It is a great addition to a succulent garden or as a houseplant.
The inside of the leaves is plain and smooth. Like most other succulents, Haworthia is demanding in maintenance.
Haworthiopsis fasciata plants are drought tolerant, storing water in their thick, tough leaves.
Cultivation and care of Haworthia Fasciata
fasciated haworthia Growth and size
The zebra plant is a relatively small plant. It grows in a rosette that can reach about 5″ – 8 inches in height.
Zebra plants have thick, pointed, triangular, dark green leaves with horizontal white stripes.
In general, the growing season starts in spring to autumn and it is considered one of the slower growing species. However, the leaves tend to curl inwards and the growth habit is taller.
The green triangular leaves are bunched together, giving the plant a “zebra” effect.
NOTE: Haworthia attenuata has a similar appearance.
Flowering and fragrance
Fasciated haworthia flower produces white flowers, usually during spring.
Some plants also bloom during the summer months.
Well-grown zebra plants produce inflorescences (long stems) during the flowering season.
These stems bear a tiny striped green and white color haworthia flower without fragrance.
Note that zebra fasciata cactus can be difficult to flower when grown indoors.
Light, shadow and temperature
The zebra succulent plant enjoys locations that receive lots of bright indirect sunlight, but no direct sun exposure. Too much sun can cause the leaves to turn white.
However, small zebra plants also appreciate light shade in the heat of the afternoon. Leaves may discolor in strong, direct sunlight.
They do well in medium to bright light. Therefore, when grown as a houseplant, it is generally advisable to keep them near east or south windows that receive a lot of natural light.
They are easy for gardeners to grow, preferring a well-draining soil mix. Although the plant is somewhat tolerant of low light conditions, it prefers full sun or bright direct light, which also produces the best colors in the leaves.
During the summer, ideal room temperatures for Fasciata haworthia range from 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit. They will tolerate high levels of heat.
As the temperature drops, it is important to ensure that the temperature does not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure plant health.
Zone 10 plants are not cold hardy and do not like low temperatures.
Watering and feeding
Haworthia faciata care includes proper watering and feeding. Water moderately.
During the summer, water the plant thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Be careful to avoid overwatering and root rot.
If the leaves are brown or yellow and mushy, or the center of the succulent haworthia fasciata turns brown, this is a sign of overwatering. Delay watering the plant for a few weeks.
As these plants can store moisture in their leaves, reduce watering as the temperature starts to drop and allow the top soil to dry out.
When zebra cactus is grown in a terrarium, use fertilizer only once every 4-6 months.
Otherwise, applying a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months is sufficient to supply these plants with nutrients for proper health and growth.
There is no need to fertilize a zebra succulent plant during the winter. Keep the humidity low, around 10% or lower, at all times.
Related: Tips for watering Haworthia
Porous soil and transplanting
Zebra fasciata grows best in a cactus mix with excellent drainage.
A mixture of equal parts perlite, potting soil and part sand is also a viable alternative.
When the plants outgrow the pot, transplant them during the spring season.
It is advisable to move the succulent haworthia into a slightly larger pot.
In general, these plants should be repotted every two years into a new cactus mix.
Grooming and maintenance
Once the haworthiopsis fasciata flower fades, trim it back by cutting off the flower stems.
Leaf cuttings take longer to produce new plants, but they are fascinating to watch! Start by removing the entire leaf from the mature plant.
Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the stem an inch below where the leaves begin to emerge. Remove all the leaves from that bottom inch, leaving you with a pointed rosette on the stem.
Popular Haworthia succulents to grow and collect
How to Propagate Zebra Fasciata Cactus
Succulent zebra plants are easy to propagate – just like aloe plants.
Take cuttings from the parent plant that form clumps, no more than a few inches long.
Allow them to dry for a few days, allowing the wound to heal, before planting.
Haworthia plants also produce scions or offshoots from the parent plant. Simply remove the young plants from their parents and replant them in their own pots.
Regardless of the propagation method, be careful not to overcrowd the plant.
Water Haworthia super fasciata sparingly and allow the soil to dry out afterwards.
Zebra Fasciata pests or diseases
The most common problems encountered by the zebra plant succulent are scale insects, mealybugs and, sometimes, spider mites.
These bugs stick to the leaves and suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, depriving the plant of essential nutrients.
If the plant is attacked, the easiest way to deal with this problem is to spray the affected plant with a good quality pesticide.
Related: Learn how to control succulent disease and pest problems
It is used for the Fasciata Zebra plant
Haworthia plants are a great addition to desert gardens.
Display these windowsill succulents in small pots. It’s another way to appreciate the beautiful foliage of this remarkable plant.
Haworthias are non-toxic, making them excellent starter plants for children.