Haworthiopsis attenuata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley
Zebra Plant / Zebra Haworthiopsis
Zebra Plant is a small acaulescent succulent from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, characterised by striking white transverse bands formed by tubercles contrasting against dark green leaves. It is one of the world's best-selling indoor succulents owing to its extreme tolerance of low light.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Haworthiopsis |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent; produces abundant lateral offsets forming dense colonies. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). No specific re-evaluation since the 2013 reclassification. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Porous succulent mix, never clayey or compacted soil. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Rigid triangular leaves 6–15 cm, dark green with prominent white tubercles forming regular transverse bands on the abaxial surface; adaxial surface may be smooth or with scattered tubercles depending on variety. Margin denticulate with small white spines.
ecoStem virtually absent; the rosette emerges directly from ground level. Mature colonies can contain dozens of rosettes connected by short rhizomes.
ecoSlender inflorescence 20–40 cm; lax raceme of small tubular white flowers with green stripes, bilabiate. Blooms spring to early summer.
ecoFibrous shallow root system; very sensitive to waterlogging. Short rhizomes connect rosettes within the colony.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Porous succulent mix, never clayey or compacted soil.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Remove the mother plant from the pot in spring or autumn.
- 2 Identify well-developed offsets with at least 3–4 leaves and their own roots.
- 3 Detach with a sterile blade; rootless offsets also root easily.
- 4 Allow to callus for 1–2 days in a dry spot.
- 5 Plant in succulent mix + perlite (1:1); water lightly after 7 days.
- 1 Select healthy mature basal leaves; remove with a gentle twist to obtain the complete base.
- 2 Allow to callus for 3–5 days lying horizontally.
- 3 Place on lightly moist mineral substrate; the base should touch the substrate.
- 4 Maintain at 20–25 °C with bright indirect light; mist lightly every 4–5 days.
- 5 Roots and emerging rosette visible in 6–12 weeks.
- 1 Obtain fresh seeds from cross-pollination (self-incompatible).
- 2 Sow in fine mineral mix at 20–25 °C; cover lightly.
- 3 Germination in 2–6 weeks under bright indirect light with consistent moisture.
- 4 Very slow-growing seedlings; do not transplant until 6 months old.
H. attenuata tolerates shade or indoor semi-shade very well — avoid direct midday sun which bleaches the leaves.
Exposing to direct midday sun causing burns and leaf discoloration.
Every 2–3 years in spring. Offsets fill the pot quickly; repotting is a good opportunity to divide them.
Low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g. 5-10-10) diluted to 50% once a month from March to September. No fertilization in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans; considered non-toxic or very low toxicity for dogs and cats.
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"Haworthiopsis attenuata was moved from Haworthia to the new genus Haworthiopsis by Rowley in 2013, based on molecular phylogenetic analyses showing that species with rigid tuberculate leaves form a distinct clade. The "zebra plant" is arguably the world's most propagated indoor succulent by division, with millions of units sold annually across Europe and North America."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.