Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’ – Big Band Zebra Plant

The explosion of leaves on this succulent grow outwards exuberantly, reaching in all directions. With the cultivar name 'Big Band', it almost gives the impression of the music blaring out from the end of a trumpet. Aside from this striking silhouette, you will also spot raised white patterns on the undersides of its deep green leaves, which add colour and variety to your plant collection. Give this plant plenty of light and make sure its soil gets to dry before you water it again, and it will reward you with plenty of enthusiastic, jazzy growth.

Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis fasciata 'Big Band' (like Haworth's plant, species with bundled stems, cultivar: big band)

Synonyms: Haworthia fasciata, Aloe fasciata, Apicra fasciata, Catevala fasciata, Haworthia pumila subsp. fasciata

This plant was reclassified from the Haworthia genus (where it was known as Haworthia fasciata) in a 2013 paper, thanks to 21st Century DNA analysis.

Common Name(s)
Big Band Zebra Plant, Zebra Plant, Zebra Haworthia, Zebra Cactus, Fasciated Haworthia

Origin
Native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, where it grows in dry, rocky areas. 

Light
Your Big Band Zebra will love a bright spot with maybe a couple of hours of direct sun; in its native South Africa it is used to some shade from rocks, so it can scorch in too much sun.

Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waters. Give it a good drench when you do water, and make sure all the water drains away so the plant doesn't sit in standing water. You'll need to reduce watering during autumn and winter when growth slows.

Humidity
Adapted to arid environments, this plant isn't fussy with dry air. Avoid high humidity environments, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. An occasional hose down will keep its leaves free of dust, just make sure it dries thoroughly afterwards.

Soil
Plant in a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. One that contains sand or grit will work well. Repotting is typically needed every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot.

Food
Fertilise sparingly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength, about once every two months. Avoid fertilising during the dormant winter period.

Temperature
Thrives in temperatures between 18-26°C. Make sure the plant doesn't drop below 10°C overnight in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, this succulent is considered non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with animals and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning toward the light source. Keep the leaves free from dust by hosing it down and then letting it totally dry. Over time, Haworthiopsis fasciata may produce offsets (pups) that can be separated and replanted to propagate new plants; wait until they have at least four leaves to do this, giving them the best shot at establishing themselves.

Did You Know?
This species is distinguishable from the similar H. attenuata by the smooth upper surface of its leaves, where the other species has its freckles on both sides of the leaves.