Earn your stripes
Zebra plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata) is indigenous to the Eastern Cape. It comes from the same subfamily as aloes and is equally eye-catching in appearance with pointy leaves and zebra-like white stripes. Grown both indoors and out, this succulent is next on your summer adoption list!
Growing tips With a high tolerance for different light conditions, you can grow them pretty much anywhere. Outdoors, they prefer morning sun and need to be acclimatised to full sun areas. Indoors, they can handle low light but need to be moved to bright light locations every few weeks to keep them healthy. Zebra plants produce pups and offsets – to make new plants, remove these from the mother plant and transplant into moist, prepared soil. Wait until new growth appears before watering again.
Claim to fame Zebra plants are hassle-free, non-toxic, and can tolerate mild frost for short periods. Their leaves contain an aloe-like gel that can be applied to minor cuts and skin irritations. These plants are highly decorative with a lovely ridged texture on the white stripes.
In the garden This succulent will liven up any container and rock garden, reaching a height of 15cm. Pair it with other low-growing plants in well-drained soil (it does not like wet feet). Water once the soil has dried out completely and fertilise once a month during spring and summer.
Pest patrol Plants are generally pest and disease hardy but be aware of the usual suspects such as mealybugs and spider mites.
Did you know? This plant is used in a variety of cosmetics – from shampoo to lotions, and homoeopathy medicine and beauty products.