Zebra Haworthia care guide
Haworthiopsis attenuata (syn. Haworthia attenuata) · Asphodelaceae
Zebra Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata (syn. Haworthia attenuata)) is a terrarium plant. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It is native to South Africa: Eastern Cape; a clumping, stemless succulent rosette. Now placed in Haworthiopsis. It needs bright light for best colour; shade from hot midday/afternoon sun; takes partial shade but the stripes fade light. Water temperature: 16°C – 27°C. Care difficulty: Very easy. Growth rate: slow.
How do you care for Zebra Haworthia?
| Light | Bright light for best colour; shade from hot midday/afternoon sun; takes partial shade but the stripes fade |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | LOW humidity, good ventilation |
| Temperature | 16°C – 27°C |
| Placement | OPEN terrarium ONLY – a closed container creates the humid, stagnant air succulents rot in. Use an open dish or bowl with dry, gritty substrate as a desert-style foreground; it stays small and spreads outward, which suits open dishes. |
| Growth | Slow |
| Difficulty | Very easy |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Zebra Haworthia?
Remove dead lower leaves and spent flower stems. Propagate from offsets, leaf cuttings, or (rarely) seed at 21–24°C in spring.
What problems affect Zebra Haworthia?
Soft, rotting rosette from overwatering or trapped moisture; faded stripes and stretched growth from low light; mealybugs, scale.
How do you fix Zebra Haworthia problems?
Grow in gritty, fast-draining cactus/succulent mix. Water moderately in growth and let it dry fully between waterings; almost dry in winter. If it rots, dry it out, repot into gritty mix and improve airflow. Half-strength low-nitrogen feed once or twice in the growing season. Avoid temperatures below 10°C.
Where does Zebra Haworthia come from?
South Africa: Eastern Cape; a clumping, stemless succulent rosette. Now placed in Haworthiopsis (formerly Haworthia)
What should you know before buying Zebra Haworthia?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA lists Haworthia species; NC State: non-toxic to pets and people).
Sources
- Haworthiopsis attenuata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley (GBIF backbone; distribution from WCVP/Kew) — GBIF / Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants
- Haworthiopsis attenuata - zebra plant — Royal Horticultural Society
- Haworthiopsis attenuata — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Succulents for Terrariums — Terrarium Tribe
- Haworthia — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Zebra Haworthia?
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides