The ridged leaves of this succulent give it the common name 'Fairy Washboard', and you can see why - the texture of the leaves does look like an old-fashioned washboard in miniature, and you can totally imagine Tinkerbell scrubbing her clothes on it. This plant can also put out a tall flower spike in summer, and clone itself in 'pups' branching from the base of the plant, so that's definitely something to keep an eye out for. Keep this easygoing succulent satisfied with plenty of light and not too much water, and who knows, maybe you'll have tiny magical creatures doing laundry on your windowledge?
Scientific Name
Haworthiopsis limifolia (Plant that looks like Haworth's genus, with file-like leaves)
Synonyms: Haworthia limifolia
This plant was reclassified from the Haworthia genus to Haworthiopsis following genetic analysis in the early 2010s
Synonyms
Haworthia limifolia var. ubomboensis, Haworthia limifolia var. striata (specific varieties within the species).
Common Name(s)
Fairy Washboard, File-Leaved Haworthia
Origin
This plant is native to subtropical Africa, notably arid scrubland in Mozambique, Eswatini and the Northern Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Light
Haworthiopsis plants are happy in the brightest light you can offer indoors; a south- or west-facing window should give it enough direct sun.
Water
Let all of the soil dry out between waters; this plant is used to arid areas and will rot in soggy soil.
Humidity
Your Haworthia is used to arid air so don't keep it anywhere damp or humid.
Soil
A soil mix which drains really well will be your succulent's best friend; mix in sand and grit or look out for a soil mix designed for cacti and succulents. Repot only when its roots have totally filled the pot; succulents do well when rootbound.
Food
Feed every couple of months in summer, and every three months in winter. A feed designed for cacti/succulents will work best, or a diluted general houseplant feed.
Temperature
Your Haworthia likes summer temperatures of 18-25°C, but will prefer to be slightly cooler in winter. Make sure it does not get colder than 10°C.
Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips
Haworthias propagate by putting out tiny pups from their roots to the side of the main plant. You can propagate by carefully separating these, once they have at least four leaves and some roots of their own, and placing them in their own little pot.
