The Haworthia Zebra is one of our favourite plants at Natures Colours! Succulents are easy to care for and make great interior decorations. Native to South Africa, this plant got its name from the characteristic raised white stripes on the Haworthia’s leaves. The Zebra plant is a slow grower but it is strong, can survive harsh conditions and do not require a great deal of maintenance. It’s also pet-friendly, which means this succulent is an excellent pick for you if you have a curious cat or dog who likes to nibble on your houseplants.
Here’s how to care for your Haworthia Zebra.
The Haworthia Zebra needs full sun to part shade, but keep in mind that the afternoon heat (especially in summer) can burn the plant. If you keep your Zebra plant inside your house, find a sunny spot on a windowsill where it can soak up sunlight throughout the day.
As with most succulents, the Zebra plant shouldn’t be saturated with water. If need be, Haworthias can go without water for weeks. If your Haworthia is healthy and happy, you can water it once every 2-3 weeks and allow the soil to dry out in between.
Tip: the top of the soil may look dry but it can be wet beneath, so before watering your plant, dip your finger or a wooden stick into the soil to feel the level of moisture. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
Temperature & Humidity
Haworthias prefer average humidity and can tolerate dry air. The ideal temperature and humidity for this plant are similar to what humans prefer, so you can judge these conditions by how comfortable you are in a certain space. Zebra plants do require proper ventilation so make sure it enjoys enough fresh air where it is placed.
Haworthias aren’t big feeders, so you don’t need to be too concerned about fertiliser. Feeding the plant 2-3 times a year with a weak fertilising solution is more than enough. Root rot is a common problem with these succulents since people often tend to overwater their Haworthias. If the plant’s leaves turn yellow and the soil is constantly wet, it’s a sure sign of overwatering. On the other hand, if its leaves become brown or start to curl at the edges, it likely needs more water.
Haworthias don’t need to be repotted very often since these plants are such slow growers. If you notice offset filling the pot, it’s time to upgrade the pot size. When repotting, you can cut these offsets from the mother plant using a sharp knife to propagate the cuttings and grow new plants. Make sure the offset has some root growth attached to it, and dry it out for a day or two before planting the cutting in a fertile cactus compost mix.