Catevala bolusii (Baker) Kuntze
Bolus' haworthia
Catevala bolusii, synonym of Haworthia bolusii Baker, is a rosulate succulent highly prized for the white bristles bordering its leaves, creating a spider-web visual effect similar to H. arachnoidea. It was named in honor of South African botanist Harry Bolus. Widely cultivated in specialist collections.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Chhe / Wikimedia Commons
CC0 1.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Catevala |
| Growth Habit | Globose to semi-globose acaulescent rosette; produces basal offsets; slow growth. |
| Conservation Status | Not threatened. Widely cultivated in collections of bristled haworthias. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Very porous mix: 40% cactus substrate + 40% perlite + 20% coarse quartz sand. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Triangular leaves 4–7 cm, medium to dark green, with numerous white bristles (setae) on the margin and apex creating very decorative spider-web markings.
ecoWhite tubular flowers with green nerves on scapes 20–30 cm. Irregular flowering, generally in autumn.
ecoAcaulescent; compact and globose rosette.
ecoWhite fleshy roots with moderate water reserves.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very porous mix: 40% cactus substrate + 40% perlite + 20% coarse quartz sand.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate rooted offsets in spring.
- 2 Let dry 2 days.
- 3 Plant in very porous substrate and water after one week.
Always water from the base (saucer) to keep bristles dry.
Watering from above wetting the bristles, which can rot.
Every 3–4 years; handle bristles carefully.
Very diluted succulent fertilizer (1/4 dose), once in spring.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Mealybugs among bristles; check regularly with a magnifier.
Rot at rosette center if bristles retain moisture.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"Catevala bolusii corresponds to Haworthia bolusii Baker, named in honor of Harry Bolus (1834–1911), the most important South African botanist of the 19th century. The marginal bristles of this species are longer and more abundant than those of H. arachnoidea, creating a denser cobweb."
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.