Haworthiopsis limifolia

Natural range and habitat of Haworthiopsis limifolia

Haworthiopsis limifolia occurs naturally from southern Mozambique through Eswatini into eastern South Africa. It grows on rocky grassland hilltops and ridges, including areas in northern KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Wild plants often grow among stones and grasses that cast partial shade. Most rain falls during the warmer growing period, while the rocky ground lets excess water drain quickly. The species is considered Vulnerable in the wild.

Care for Haworthiopsis limifolia

• Light: Give the spiral rosette very bright light with some gentle direct sun. Introduce stronger sun gradually, as wild plants often grow in partial shade from rocks and grasses.
• Water: Water deeply, then wait until the mix is dry before watering again. The thick leaves store water between waterings.
• Potting mix: Use a sandy, fast-draining succulent mix with plenty of grit, pumice or lava rock.
• Pot size: Choose a pot only slightly wider than the root system. Move up a size when offsets crowd the container or the mix begins staying wet for too long.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep the plant warm, protect it from frost, and provide steady airflow. Normal household humidity is suitable.
• Feeding: Feed modestly while fresh leaves are forming.
• Propagation: Rooted offsets can be divided. This species can also be grown from seed or propagated from leaf cuttings.

Common problems with Haworthiopsis limifolia

• Leaves become pale, yellowish or bleached on the exposed side: Direct sun became too strong too quickly. Move the plant into bright filtered light and increase sun more gradually.
• The rosette softens from the base while the mix stays damp: Rot has damaged the roots or lower stem. Cut affected tissue back to firm healthy tissue with a sterile tool, discard the rotten tissue, let the wounds dry, and repot in fresh gritty mix.
• Leaves become deeply wrinkled and the substrate is fully dry: The plant has used much of its stored water. Soak the root ball thoroughly and let it drain. After the leaves recover, water again once the mix has dried and before deep wrinkling returns.
• White cottony insects appear at leaf bases or around the roots: Check for mealybugs. Isolate the plant and use a suitable treatment at the interval stated on the label.

Haworthiopsis limifolia has sharp parts

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its effects on people are unclear.
• Rigid leaf tips and toothed margins can scratch or puncture the mouth, eyes, skin or paws.
• Handle it carefully. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after a serious injury, especially to the eye.

Who first published Haworthiopsis limifolia, and what does the name mean?

Haworthiopsis combines Haworthia with the Greek suffix -opsis, meaning appearance or resemblance. Limifolia combines Latin lima, meaning file, with folium, meaning leaf.

Gordon Douglas Rowley established the genus Haworthiopsis in 2013 in Alsterworthia Int, Special Issue 10, page 4.

Hermann Wilhelm Rudolf Marloth first described it as Haworthia limifolia in 1910 in Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, volume 1, page 409. Gordon Douglas Rowley later placed it in Haworthiopsis as Haworthiopsis limifolia in 2013 in Alsterworthia Int, Special Issue 10, page 4.