Zebra plant care in offices
Haworthiopsis attenuata
A zebra plant needs bright, indirect light. Let the soil dry out between waterings. NC State Extension lists it as non-toxic to pets.
Zebra plant facts
- Botanical name
- Haworthiopsis attenuata (formerly Haworthia attenuata)[1]
- Family
- Asphodelaceae[1]
- Native range
- Southern Cape Province, South Africa[1]
- Light
- Bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the leaves.[2]
- Water
- Let the soil dry out between waterings. Do not overwater.[2]
- Temperature
- 60 to 80°F. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F.[2]
- Cats and dogs
- Non-toxic to pets, per NC State Extension. The ASPCA lists Haworthia species as non-toxic to cats and dogs.[2][3]
- Common problems
- Scale and mealybugs. Root rot from too much water. Faded leaf pattern from too little light.[2]
Light and location
A zebra plant prefers bright, indirect light. This light also gives the best leaf color. Direct sun can scorch the leaves.[2]
It grows best between 60 and 80°F. Keep it away from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F.[2]
Water
Let the soil dry out between waterings. Too much water can cause root rot.[2]
Name and identification
Kew accepts the name Haworthiopsis attenuata. Haworthia attenuata is an older name for the same plant.[1]
Do not confuse it with Haworthia fasciata. Haworthiopsis attenuata has bumps on all surfaces of its leaves. The upper leaf surface of Haworthia fasciata is smooth.[2]
Pests and pet safety
Look for scale and mealybugs. If the leaf pattern fades, the plant needs more light.[2]
NC State Extension lists the zebra plant as non-toxic to pets and people.[2] The ASPCA lists Haworthia species as non-toxic to cats and dogs.[3]
How MotherBotanist cares for a zebra plant
On each weekly visit, the technician does these tasks for each plant:
- Check the soil, and water only if the plant needs it
- Look for pests, disease, and signs of stress
- Remove dust from the leaves
- Cut off dead or damaged leaves
- Turn the plant so that all sides get light
The technician records the care and adds a photo to the plant profile in your client portal.
Zebra plant questions
Short answers about this plant in an office.
How much light does a zebra plant need?
It prefers bright, indirect light, according to NC State Extension. Direct sun can scorch the leaves. Too little light makes the leaf pattern fade.
How often should you water a zebra plant?
Let the soil dry out between waterings, according to NC State Extension. Too much water can cause root rot.
Is a zebra plant safe for cats and dogs?
NC State Extension lists Haworthiopsis attenuata as non-toxic to pets and people. The ASPCA lists Haworthia species as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Sources
- Haworthiopsis attenuata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley. Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Haworthiopsis attenuata. North Carolina State University Extension, Gardener Plant Toolbox.
- Haworthia. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Need weekly care for the plants in your office? Plans start at $2,500 per month.