How to take care of Zebra Succulent

Introduction

The Zebra Succulent stands out with its gorgeous striped leaves. Not only do the leaves of this plant intrigue me, the easy maintenance that they require impresses me too. The geometric foliage of its leaves can breathe life to any backdrop!

The Zebra Cactus or the Haworthia Zebra requires direct sunlight, well-drained soil and room-level humidity. It requires little fertilizer, once a month, during the growing season from April to September. Keep it in a temperature of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), and avoid leaving outdoors during winter.

Zebra Succulent 101

The zebra cactus grows to form a gorgeous rosette pattern. A shape that geometry and pattern lovers would adore! Its leaves resemble that of the Aloe vera. When exposed to full sunlight, you can expect it to bloom too!

Although it’s called a cactus, it’s not really one. Let’s look into the order and origins of this zebra-striped plant.

Here are some details about this striped succulent:

• Scientific name: Haworthia Fasciata
• Popular name: Zebra Cactus
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Haworthiopsis
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Native Country: South Africa
• Flowering: Tiny, tube-shaped white or pink flowers (When grown outdoors!)
• Hardiness: USDA Zone 11

Caring for The Zebra Succulent

The zebra succulent is a tropical houseplant that enhances the beauty of the room but requires little care to grow!

Here is a brief overview of what your zebra succulent needs:

• Ideal soil: Well-drained cactus mix
• Drainage Needs: Requires good drainage
• Water Requirements: Needs more water between April to September. Water it when the topmost layer runs dry.
• Sunlight Requirements: Direct and bright light
• Temperature: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C)
• Humidity: Room-temperature humidity
• Ideal pH: 6.6-7.5 (Neutral)
• Frost-Resistance: Resistant only for a short period of time
• Fertilizer: A diluted fertilizer every month during growth season
• Pruning: Only in case of dead leaves or for propagation
• Propagation: Can be propagated using offsets
• Repotting: Infrequently, after every 4 to 5 years
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to both animals and humans

Looking for a beautiful zebra succulent? I think you will love this little one!

1. What is the Ideal Soil for the Zebra Succulent?

Your Zebra Succulent plant needs fast-draining soil with no sand.

The Haworthia Zebra needs potting soil that drains fast. You can also use a cactus mix but avoid adding sand to it. Adding perlite into the mix is fine as it won’t interfere with draining.

Warning!

Keep a check on the pH value of the soil!

The Zebra Succulent needs soil

2. What are the Sunlight Requirements of the Zebra Succulent?

Your Zebra Succulent will love to be in bright, direct sunlight!

The zebra succulent appreciates bright and direct sunlight. It won’t thrive well in partial or full shade. They have a natural tendency to lean and grow in the shade outdoors.

Haworthia species like bright light, but not direct sunlight. In their native environment, they are often found in the shade of a rock or other object. They do best in a room with a window facing east or west to provide bright light for a few hours a day. If the plant isn’t getting enough light, its green color will fade.

Warning!

Don’t change the environment for the plant!

An outdoor haworthia plant won’t survive when brought indoors. And an indoor one won't survive outdoors. Sudden change of location can cause your zebra succulent to get sunburned or wither.

Pro-Tip

Is your zebra succulent losing its rich green color?

Are the leaves of your haworthia zebra turning yellow or white? Either change in color can mean your plant is getting more direct sunlight than required!

3. What is the Humidity Requirement of the zebra succulent Plant?

The Zebra Succulent doesn’t need extra humidity but it does need air!

The Haworthia Zebra needs room-level humidity to survive. This makes them an excellent choice to grow indoors. But do keep in mind to provide them good ventilation. You can put them in a place by the window or an airy spot in your home.

Since the Zebra Succulent doesn’t have specific humidity requirements, you don’t need to invest in a humidifier!

4. How Should I Water the Zebra Succulent?

Allow the soil to dry before watering your Zebra Succulent!

The Haworthia Zebra needs watering via the soak and dry method. Allow the soil to dry completely before you water. Its thick leaves store plenty of water.

5. How to Fertilize the Zebra Succulent?

Fertilize your Zebra Succulent if you want to boost its growth!

The Zebra Succulent does not require frequent fertilization.

6. How to Prune the Zebra Succulent?

The Zebra Succulent doesn’t require much pruning, except a bit for maintenance!

Pruning the haworthia zebra is essential in case of dead leaves. Otherwise, the zebra succulent grows at a very slow pace. Pruning unnecessarily will not make it grow faster.

You need to prune any leaves that look infected. Remember to use a disinfected or sterilized knife while making the cuts.

7. How to Repot the Zebra Succulent?

You may have to repot your haworthia zebra every four to five years!

The Zebra Plant rarely needs repotting. These succulents take a lot of time to grow. Their height can only grow at most 5 inches tall. When repotting the Haworthia Zebra, you can plant them in groups.

Since these plants are small, use shallow pots. This will allow for easier water drainage. The growing season for the Zebra Succulent is during Spring and Summer. You can use the old pot but make sure you that the mix is completely fresh and that you change the soil.

Warning

Avoid big pots at all costs!

Since zebra succulents don’t grow much, big pots don’t make sense. You can be feasible with the width if you have many clusters. But make sure the depth is always shallow.

Things You Should Know About the Zebra Succulent Plant

The Haworthia Zebra is extremely easy to propagate and maintain. Even toxicity is not an issue with this lovely striped succulent!

1. How to Propagate the Zebra Succulent?

This plant can't be propagated through stem cuttings, so you may have to use techniques like division instead!

The Zebra Succulent can grow in clumps. You can plant many of them in a single pot. They also produce many offsets that can easily be used for propagation.

You can propagate the Haworthia Zebra in the following ways:

• For the offsets, you need to make a sharp cut. This should be done in a manner to not hurt the stem of the parent plant. Leave the pups aside for some time. Give them sufficient water and a bright and warm environment.

• If your zebra succulent plant does not have any pups, don’t worry! You can use leaf cuttings easily. Make sure to cut the stem at a point that its tissue is visible.

Warning

Don't plant the pups straight away!

You must always leave the cuttings for a few days. Once they are completely dry, plant them upside down. Don't forget that the soil should be a well-draining mix and give water only when it is touch-dry.

2. How Toxic is the Zebra Cactus Plant?

Your pets will admire the Zebra Cactus because it’s completely non-toxic!

The Zebra Cactus Plant is non-toxic making it safe to place indoors. It causes no harm to humans or animals.

Good News!

You can put the Zebra plant in your home even if you have pets. It will cause no harm to your furry friends.

According to the ASPCA, the Haworthia Zebra is safe for horses, dogs and cats!

3. What are common issues with the Zebra Succulent?

Keep inspecting the soil of the Haworthia Zebra to avoid any common issues!

Root Rot Overwatering is a common cause of root rotting. It is important to save any pups before the entire plant goes down due to dead roots.

Pests If soil is kept wet for too long, fungus may develop. Other pests may also include gnats. You can either remove these using disinfectant sprays or picking them off by hand.

Conclusion

The zebra succulent will prosper if you give it partial shade, well-drained moist soil which is watered twice a week in the growing period and once otherwise. It appreciates temperatures between 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) and room-temperature humidity level. It is non-toxic to pets and can be easily pruned and propagated by directly cutting.

Want to learn more about how succulents thrive? I suggest you have a look at whether cacti can grow outdoors or not?.

Posted in: Zebra Succulent Haworthia Zebra Watering Tips Fertilizer Tips Propagation Tips Gardening Tips Asphodelaceae