How to Grow and Care for Haworthia Zebra Plant
A guide to growing a healthy Haworthia Zebra Plant. Learn the key principles of succulent care to help this striking, low-maintenance houseplant thrive.
The Haworthia Zebra Plant, or Haworthiopsis attenuata, is a small succulent known for its distinctive appearance. Its green, pointed leaves feature white, bumpy stripes that create a visual contrast. This plant is low-maintenance, making it well-suited for beginners. Its compact size makes it a popular choice for homes and offices.
Zebra Plant Care Guide
Zebra plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window provides an ideal amount of light, as too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn white or red. If the plant’s white stripes start to fade, it may need a brighter location.
Overwatering is a common pitfall, so use the “soak and dry” method. Water the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out completely before watering again, which is about every two to three weeks indoors. During its winter dormancy, the plant requires even less water. A pot with a drainage hole is necessary to let excess water escape and prevent root rot.
A well-draining cactus or succulent mix is recommended because it dries faster than standard potting soil. This porous soil structure helps prevent water retention. If a mix seems too heavy, you can amend it with materials like perlite or pumice to improve aeration and drainage.
Zebra plants prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C) and do well in average household humidity. Avoid placing them in cold drafts or where temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). To support growth, provide a diluted succulent fertilizer once in the spring and once in the summer.
Repotting and Propagating
Your zebra plant will need to be repotted to accommodate its growth. A sign it’s time for a new pot is when the plant becomes root-bound or when offsets, called pups, fill the container. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer. Gently place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Propagating a zebra plant is done by dividing its offsets, or pups. Once pups growing from the base of the mother plant have developed their own roots, they can be separated. Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and gently tease the pups away. Plant each offset in its own small pot with succulent mix and place it in bright, indirect light, watering sparingly until established.
Common Zebra Plant Problems
Soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves are the result of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If you suspect this issue, remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black or mushy roots. Repot it in fresh, dry soil to give it a chance to recover.
The appearance of brown tips on the leaves is a sign of underwatering or low humidity. This indicates that your watering schedule may need adjustment. Ensure you are watering thoroughly whenever the soil is completely dry.
A stretched-out appearance with elongated, pale growth is known as etiolation and means the plant is not receiving enough light. To correct this, gradually move it to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight. Rotating the plant every few months also encourages even growth.