Zebra Succulent aka Haworthia – Ideal Choice for Beginners

What is a Zebra Succulent

Zebra succulent or Haworthia is a little succulent known for its charm and glamour. It falls under the same species as perennial plants. This low-growing succulent can develop rosettes composed of fleshy green leaves. You will also notice white pearly bands or warts generously covering such leaves.

The impressive visual appeal of the zebra succulent makes it hold the high aesthetic value of a bonsai succulent as well as the world’s best cold-hardy succulents. Therefore, it is perfect for you if you plan to enhance the look of your indoor succulent garden.

Benefits of Growing a Zebra Succulent

What benefits can a zebra succulent provide you? The following are just a few of the most noteworthy ones:

Ideal for Beginners

The zebra succulent is so easy to care for that it works perfectly even for those still starting the hobby of growing succulents or gardening. It is easy to grow and maintain, especially if you decide to cultivate it indoors.

Clump-Forming

The fact that this zebra succulent is clump-forming is a great advantage. The reason is that it makes it possible for you to fit it with other succulent species in just one container. You can even mix it up with premium bunny succulent.

Looks Really Good and Charming

Adding to the charm of the zebra succulent are its recognizable white stripes that greatly resemble those of a zebra. No one can, therefore, deny how good zebra succulents look. The good news is that you can also easily propagate this succulent.

With that, you will always have something that you can turn into impressive gifts, decors, and arrangements. Their charming looks can make your succulent collection more endearing in the same way as blue succulents break the monotony of your garden.

How Does Zebra Succulent Work

The zebra succulent works impressively as houseplants. It can form an incredible part of your indoor garden. While most people grow the zebra succulent in gardens initially, it is also as versatile as the most interesting split rock species since you can also make it work when grown and cultivated in conservatories, homes, and greenhouses.

Pros and Cons of Growing Zebra Succulent

Pros

• Easy to care for and maintain, making them ideal for beginners.
• Has a charming, attractive, and unique look.
• Easy to propagate.
• Can fit with other succulent species in just a single container.
• Can be made into beautiful arrangements and decors.

Cons

• Quite a tricky watering process. The reason is that its roots may rot or get discolored if you overwater the plant. But, on the other hand, too little water may result in its leaves dropping.

Types of Zebra Succulents

When growing rare succulent varieties, being familiar with each one can help. The same is true when planning to grow zebra succulents. But, first, you have to learn about each of its types – among which are:

Haworthia Margaritifera

Also known as the pearl plant, Haworthia Margaritifera is a zebra succulent variety recognized for being clump-forming. It has leaves that physically resemble tentacles. Such leaves come with white speckles and warty projections, too. This variety can also be described as a fleshy plant capable of freely offsetting from its base.

Haworthia Fasciata

The other name for this variety is zebra Haworthia. It has dark and thick green leaves forming rosettes. The leaves’ surfaces are also full of white horizontal stripes. It can bloom white tubular flowers that usually appear during the summer. This zebra succulent variety also offsets readily, promoting ease in forming clumps. This variety is one of the rare species, making it as rare as the exotic epiphyllum oxypetalum.

Haworthia Bolusii

Another unique zebra succulent variety is the Haworthia Bolusii. You can easily distinguish its leaves because they come with tufted edges. It is easy and hassle-free to cultivate, too. However, it may require plenty of shade protection from direct sunlight. You can also propagate it by seeds, which is actually a good thing as growing succulents from seeds is cheaper.

Haworthia Attenuata

This specific succulent variety has long and pointed leaves in the shade of green. One notable feature of this succulent that makes it easily distinguishable is tubercles on its leaves. You will notice that both of the surfaces of its leaves have white tubercles covering them.

Features of Zebra Succulent

Foliage

The zebra succulent can form a rosette composed of thick green leaves with white stripes, similar to a zebra. The leaves may also be patterned with wart-like tubercles. This succulent is clump-forming when grown in the wild is also proof that you can grow it with multiple succulents in just one container.

Bloom Time

You can expect the zebra succulent to be in its active growth phase during the summer. During this time, the succulent will most likely bloom flowers. In this case, it is possible to see white-colored or pink-colored tubular flowers. You can find their flowers hanging on thin and long stems.

Size

This succulent is capable of growing up to 13 cm or 5 inches tall. As for its rosettes, they can grow up to around 20 cm or 8 inches wide.

Zebra Succulent Requirements

Like the cute and lovable Crassula perforata, the zebra succulent also has a couple of requirements for growing perfectly. The most important requirements are in the following category:

Sunlight

The zebra succulent can already thrive with just low to medium lighting conditions – the ones you can provide in an indoor setting. However, if your wish is to display its fantastic orange and red pigments, then it is advisable to put it in an area that lets it obtain plenty of natural light. For example, it could be in a windowsill facing the east or south.

When outdoors, your zebra succulent should be in a spot that lets it soak around four to six hours of bright light, though it should not come from direct sunlight, particularly the afternoon sun. The reason is that its leaves are susceptible, which may cause them to develop dry tips when exposed to excessive amounts of direct light.

Water

As for its watering requirements, note that the zebra succulent requires thorough watering during its growing season. It is also important to water it once the soil gets dry to your touch. The winter season may be tricky as far as watering is concerned since it may lead to overwatering.

With that in mind, you should limit the amount of water and the frequency during the winter season. Let the topsoil dry out completely first. During the winter, it would be best to water the plant only once every month. You should not also let water sit on the succulent rosette for a long time.

Soil

The best soil for the zebra succulent is a potting mix that works well for succulents. The potting mix also has to drain well while providing a lot of air to your succulents’ tiny roots. You can also boost the drainage capacity of the potting mix by using part sand, part perlite, and part potting soil when planning to make one on your own.

Humidity

You should avoid putting your zebra succulent in place with high humidity. Note that this succulent needs good and adequate ventilation, particularly at night – the time when it still tries to absorb carbon dioxide for the process of photosynthesis. A fan can be useful in this case as it allows air to circulate, allowing your zebra succulents to breathe properly.

Temperature

For the zebra succulent to grow well, it has to stay in a spot with the perfect temperature for them. In this case, the ideal temperature for its proper growth is around 60 to 85 degrees F.

That said, it is safe to say that you can grow it outdoors, provided it is in 9 to 11 zones. However, if your place often has a normal temperature that goes lower than 30 degrees F, it would be advisable to grow it in a pot that allows you to bring it easily indoors.

Dormancy

The zebra succulent will most likely undergo a state of dormancy during hot summer months, particularly when the temperature goes beyond 80 degrees F. It also tends to become semi-dormant during the early winter.

During periods of dormancy, this succulent can have minimal growth. In this case, you need to water it less than normal. But, first, you have to make the soil moist enough.

Propagation

One advantage of zebra succulents is that you can easily propagate them. On the other hand, you have to use their stem cuttings or offsets. A lot of those interested in this succulent favor using offsets, though, since they find it easier to do compared to stem cuttings.

To propagate, pull tall offsets, around two inches, from the mother succulents. Just twist it gently, then allow it to dry completely for at least one day. After drying the offsets, you can plant them in cactus soil that drains well. Water adequately.

Repotting

It would be ideal for repotting this succulent during spring as well as early summer. Just change its pots during these seasons into a wide and new container that contains fresh potting soil. One sign that it is time to repot is when you notice the cluster outgrowing the container. It is also perfect for taking offsets, allowing the propagation of the plants.

Pests

The good thing about the zebra succulent is that it is not prone to plenty of pest invasions. Occasionally, it gets plagued by mealybugs and spider mites. This only happens occasionally, though, so there is no need to take drastic measures when dealing with them.

How to Grow a Zebra Succulent

Step 1 – Decide on where you will be growing the succulent

What’s great about the zebra succulent is that you can grow it in various containers, including teacups and even small baby shoes. Just prevent yourself from overwatering the plants, as overwatering may cause you to lose these incredible succulents.

Step 2 – Ensure that your chosen container drains well

If you intend to put the succulents in a pot, then it should have the capacity of draining water well. This can prevent the soil from accumulating too much water that may harm the succulents.

Step 3 – Put one layer of gravel at the bottom of the container

This is an important step if your container is not well-draining. You should remove the plant from the container first and then put one layer of gravel. This can lessen the soil’s wicking action.

Step 4 – Remove sunburn spots from the plants

You also have to make sure that all its requirements, especially in terms of lighting, temperature, humidity, and water, among many others, are met.

 

How to Care for a Zebra Succulent

Step 1 – Provide plenty of bright light daily

Ensure that you do not excessively expose the succulent to bright light, though. For example, do not display it on a Northern façade that will only cause direct sunlight exposure during daytime.

Step 2 – Implement the soak-and-dry method

This means waiting for the soil to dry completely between each watering task.

Step 3 – Provide proper drainage around the roots

This should help prevent overwatering that may only cause the succulent and its roots to die and rot, especially during the winter. In this case, you should plant the zebra succulent in succulent soil specially designed and prepared for the species.

Step 4 – Apply fertilizer

Fertilizers help your succulents have a more vivid and rich color, so putting the appropriate one on your zebra succulent can provide a big advantage.

The best time to put fertilizer is from spring to fall. During those seasons, you can use a diluted liquid fertilizer to feed your zebra succulent. Do it once a month only. Avoid using fertilizer when winter comes.

 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

With the many variations of zebra succulents, you can surely pick one that complements your budget well. This means you do not have to shell out a huge amount for this succulent. Instead, you have to figure out which one among the zebra succulents available right now fits your needs and budget the most. You can then arrange even inexpensive plants beautifully to showcase their incredible quality.

Do’s and Don’ts With a Zebra Succulent

Do’s

• Choose clay pots with plenty of drainage holes. Pots made of clay are perfect for zebra succulents as they promote faster soil drying. You may also want to use pots constructed from other materials, like plastics and ceramics. However, take note that the soil remains wet longer in such materials than in clay.
• Make sure to provide the succulent with four to six hours of indirect sunlight every day. Pick a spot where it can receive partial sun, preferably early during the day. The area also has enough shade in the afternoon as the sun during this time is too intense for the zebra succulent to handle.
• Retain a temperature of around 60 to 80 degrees F. You can also expect this succulent to do well indoors at regular room temperature the entire year. You can also grow them outdoors, provided the temperature there is within the recommended range.

Don’ts

• Do not forget to trim any dead leaves. Use sharp scissors or clippers for this task. Remove completely dried-out and brownish leaves now and then.
• Do not ignore pests. This means you should examine the plant regularly to determine if pests, such as mealybugs, start interrupting its growth. For example, each time you water the plant, observe its leaves and find out if there is a cottony substance resembling wool. Inspect for small moving bugs, too. If pests use insecticidal soap or neem oil to wash the leaves, rinse thoroughly.

FAQ About Zebra Succulents

How big can a zebra succulent get?

The zebra succulent can grow at around 13 to 15 centimeters. It also has a rosette composed of its leaves that can grow at around 20 centimeters wide. While the stems are not so tall and large, it is still possible for the roots of this plant to grow rapidly and deeply. Once the roots grow larger than you initially expected, you may want to transfer the plant into a bigger pot.

How much water does a zebra succulent need?

Water the plant generously but do so less frequently. During the winter, you can also lessen the water you provide since it is the season when this succulent grows the slowest. To determine the best time to water the plant, observe its soil. It should be completely dry, while the leaves should show slight creases and wrinkles. This indicates the need to water the plant.

How to save a dying zebra succulent?

Generally, the process of saving a dying zebra succulent is simple and easy. However, you have to offer it proper care after you notice it encountering a situation that results in its weakness. If it does not work, you may want to preserve a healthy steam fragment or leaf from the plant. Let it callus and plant it in a potting succulent mix. It is a part of the succulent that tends to take off fast, making it possible for you to preserve and save this plant.

When should I repot my zebra succulents?

The best time to repot the zebra succulent is during the spring season. One sign that indicates the need to repot at that season would be when the succulent outgrows its present pot. You have to transfer it into another pot that is just a bit bigger.

How do I get my zebra plant to bloom?

To make your zebra succulent bloom, you have to provide it with all the things it needs to thrive – sufficient sunlight, just the right amount of water, and appropriate temperature and humidity, among many others. You may also want to put a humidifier close to the plant if the air in your home is extremely dry.

Adjust your humidifier so it can retain a humidity of around 40 to 80 percent. It also helps to use an all-purpose soluble fertilizer. Apply it once every month when the summer and spring come. Just make sure to use just half of the fertilizer’s suggested strength.

Where can I buy zebra succulents?

Succulents are so popular nowadays that you will never have a hard time finding legitimate and reliable sellers. You can find them in stores that sell plants. It is also easy to find online sellers for this type of succulent at present.

Conclusion

Caring for a zebra succulent is surely very satisfying and enjoyable. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with this succulent species before cultivating it at home. The good thing about these fun and beautiful plants is that they have plenty of character. It is unique and looks great wherever you decide to put it, whether on your window sill, desk or even on your bookshelf.

Photos from: antonvladimirov333.gmail.com / depositphotos.com, yasomania / depositphotos.com, dipnik / depositphotos.com, victorflowerfly / depositphotos.com and mertkantekin / depositphotos.com.