Zebra Plant
haworthia attenuata
Also known as: ["Zebra Cactus","Zebra Haworthia"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant with distinctive white, bumpy stripes on dark green leaves, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus: | Haworthia |
| Botanical Name: | Haworthia attenuata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered, partially shaded spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically once a year or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; tolerates some direct morning sun; adjust for stronger light in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; avoid intense afternoon sun; place near east-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light or partial shade
Rotate plant monthly for even growth; use sheer curtains in strong light; move outdoors in spring/summer for brighter light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid water on leaves to prevent rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy potting mix with perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid overwatering; topdress with gravel for aesthetics.
Temperature
Ideal 60–80°F (15–27°C); prefers cooler winters (50–55°F/10–13°C); avoid frost.
Keep away from drafty windows; avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth with a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid overfertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets;Offsets are easiest.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offset or cut stem.
- Let cut end dry for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (50–60%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Offsets root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings take 4–6 weeks to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callous before planting; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves; sterilize tools; cut cleanly; dispose of removed leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; helps refresh soil and prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid leaf wetness.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to every 4–6 weeks; increase slightly in summer to every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Brown leaf tips (cold); wilting or mushy leaves (heat); stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil stays wet; leaves may turn brown or translucent.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, wilt, or scorch; growth may slow; soil dries too quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; feed monthly in spring/summer; cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHaworthia attenuata is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known adverse effects on feline health when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHaworthia attenuata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicHaworthia attenuata is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health when handled or ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Haworthia attenuata?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks.
Q: Does Haworthia attenuata need direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Haworthia turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage; ensure the plant is not sitting in water.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light or part |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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