Haworthiopsis viscosa
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Haworthiopsis viscosa

Dragontail

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Water every
17 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–11
Click count
38
Observations
86

Description

Source: leafsnap

The Haworthia Viscosa (Haworthiopsis viscosa) is a miniature perennial succulent endemic to southern Africa that grows to a height of 15 cm and has lateral suckers. Except for the blooms, it resembles a miniature aloe. It has triangular fleshy leaves that are organized into long rosettes and are dark green, olive green, or brown in color. They are widely used as garden and container plants. The plants may grow on their own or in clumps. Their blooms have six petals, are tiny, white, and seem fairly identical among species.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 2-3 weeks

Haworthia viscosa is an exceptionally drought-tolerant plant that thrives in arid conditions. It requires watering only every three weeks, ensuring the soil dries out completely between waterings. Well-suited for lower indoor humidity, it is an ideal choice for container gardening. The plant maintains its shape with minimal care and watering.

Suggested frequency: Every 2-3 weeks
☀️ Light Partial sun

Haworthia viscosa comes from habitats with dappled light, such as the forest understory or rocky locations that provide natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Haworthia viscosa grows best in warm conditions and needs higher temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolic processes. It prefers plenty of sunlight, suitable moisture, and good air circulation. However, it is vulnerable to damage from very low temperatures and from overwatering. It is therefore important to maintain a balance and to avoid both excessive heat and overly dry conditions.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Haworthia viscosa only needs light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooming.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years

When repotting Haworthia viscosa, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, dust off any excess soil, and set it in at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Repot in spring or fall and place it in a brightly lit spot.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning

Haworthia viscosa is a distinctive succulent featuring a rosette shape and textured leaves. It's best to prune it from early to late spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to reduce overcrowding, which improves airflow. When pruning, use clean, sharp tools, and be careful not to over-prune, as this can cause stress. Proper pruning will support healthy growth.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Although the ASPCA does not consider Haworthias to be poisonous or toxic, you should not consume them or let your children or pets eat them. It may induce gastric distress if ingested in high doses. Their sap may cause redness or discomfort, which will eventually recover.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb, Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Haworthiopsis
Family
Asphodelaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
20 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Brown, Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
South Africa

Tags (7)

Common Names (1)

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