Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) Haworthiopsis attenuata
Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) (Haworthiopsis attenuata) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Eastern Cape, South Africa. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Zebra haworthia (zebra plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Zebra haworthia (zebra plant)
- How far apart should I plant Zebra haworthia (zebra plant)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Zebra haworthia (zebra plant)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Zebra haworthia (zebra plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Zebra haworthia (zebra plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Zebra haworthia (zebra plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Small clumps of stiff, pointed dark green leaves banded with raised white dots, like a tiny aloe in zebra stripes. Takes the low light of a north window better than most succulents; often sold as H. fasciata.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
- Red hot poker Kniphofia uvaria
- Aloe vera Aloe vera
- New Zealand flax Phormium tenax
- Quiver tree (kokerboom) Aloidendron dichotomum
- Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) Aloe ferox
- Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
- Blue flax lily (paroo lily) Dianella caerulea