Synonyms:

Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’ is commonly referred to as Zebra Haworthia or Zebra Plant due to its distinctive stripes. This cultivar is a variant of the Haworthia fasciata species.

Habitat:

Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’, like its parent species, originates from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. This region is characterized by semi-arid conditions and rocky terrains. The plant naturally grows in well-drained sandy soils, often in the shade of rocks or other vegetation. Its native habitat has played a significant role in the development of its hardy and resilient nature, enabling it to thrive in environments with limited water and nutrients.

Description:

Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’ is a small, rosette-forming succulent, reaching about 10-15 cm in diameter. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and dark green, adorned with white horizontal stripes on the outside, resembling zebra stripes. These stripes are more pronounced and broader in the ‘Big Band’ cultivar compared to the standard Haworthia fasciata, giving it a striking appearance. The leaves form a rosette pattern and have a slightly pointy tip. Unlike many succulents, this plant’s leaves are more upright and less spread out. Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’ rarely blooms indoors, but when it does, it produces small, white flowers on thin, long stalks that emerge from the center of the rosette.

Cultivation:

Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’ is well-suited for indoor cultivation and is relatively easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, which makes it suitable for growing indoors. Direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch the leaves, so it’s advisable to provide some shade or filtered light. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C to 24°C. For soil, use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Overwatering is a common issue with succulents, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent root rot. Fertilize sparingly, using a diluted succulent fertilizer, only during the growing season (spring and summer).

Propagation:

Propagation of Haworthia fasciata ‘Big Band’ is typically done through offsets. This plant regularly produces small offshoots around the base of the mother plant. To propagate, gently remove these offsets when they have formed their own roots, and replant them in a well-draining soil mix. It’s also possible to propagate through leaf cuttings, but this method is less common and can be more challenging.

Curiosity:

The ‘Big Band’ cultivar of Haworthia fasciata is particularly prized for its bold, zebra-like stripes, which are more prominent than those of the standard variety. This feature, along with its compact size, makes it a popular choice for decorative indoor plant arrangements, terrariums, and as a desk plant. It’s also interesting to note that despite its common name ‘Zebra Plant’, it is not related to the Aloe or Agave families, with which it’s often confused. Its ability to adapt to various light conditions and the ease of care contribute to its popularity among both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

Tips:
Read our advice