Catevala attenuata (Haw.) Kuntze
Zebra plant haworthia
Catevala attenuata, synonym of Haworthia attenuata Haw., is one of the best-selling indoor succulents in the world, popularly known as the 'zebra plant' or 'zebra haworthia'. Its dark green leaves are covered with prominent horizontal bands of white tubercles on both surfaces, creating the characteristic zebra pattern. Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, it is extraordinarily resilient and low-maintenance.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© User:KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Catevala |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent or very short-stemmed rosette, densely compact; produces abundant basal offsets. |
| Conservation Status | Not threatened. Widely cultivated; one of the most popular indoor succulents in the world. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Commercial cactus substrate enriched with 20–30% extra perlite. Pot with mandatory drainage hole. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Rigid lanceolate leaves 5–12 cm, dark glossy green, covered with prominent horizontal rows of white tubercles on both surfaces (upper and lower), a feature distinguishing it from H. fasciata, which only has them on the underside.
ecoSmall tubular flowers, white with greenish or pinkish nerves, on slender scapes 20–40 cm. Blooms mainly in summer.
ecoPractically acaulescent or with very short compressed stem; rosette arises at ground level.
ecoFleshy fibrous roots with some water storage capacity; sensitive to rot if substrate retains too much moisture.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Commercial cactus substrate enriched with 20–30% extra perlite. Pot with mandatory drainage hole.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Remove mother plant from pot and locate basal offsets.
- 2 Separate by hand or with sterilized blade, preserving roots.
- 3 Let cuts dry 1–2 days.
- 4 Plant in slightly moist substrate; keep in shade without watering for 7 days.
- 1 Remove healthy outer leaf with gentle twist.
- 2 Let dry 2–3 days until callus.
- 3 Place on dry substrate with diffuse light.
- 4 Mist every 3–4 days.
Small pot; H. attenuata prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Intense direct sun exposure that irreversibly damages the white bands.
Every 2–3 years in spring, or when offsets fill the pot.
Quarter-strength succulent fertilizer once or twice in spring-summer; none in autumn-winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats per ASPCA. Ideal for homes with pets and children.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri): common at leaf bases; clean with isopropyl alcohol or systemic insecticide.
Root rot from overwatering or poorly drained substrate; basal leaves soften as first sign.
Leaf fungi in humid environments without ventilation; brown or black spots on leaves.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"Catevala attenuata is a synonym of Haworthia attenuata Haw. Modern taxonomists place it in Haworthiopsis attenuata together with H. fasciata; the key difference is that H. attenuata has tubercles on both leaf surfaces, while H. fasciata only on the underside."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.