Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fairy washboard
BeginnerHaworthiopsis limifolia
A hard-leaved Haworthia with broad, dark brownish-green triangular leaves ridged crosswise with white tubercles like a file, forming a pinwheel-like rosette.
About
Fairy washboard was long known as Haworthia limifolia, but the hard-leaved group has been split off as Haworthiopsis and it is now Haworthiopsis limifolia; in the trade it is still usually sold as a Haworthia. It is native to Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique. It is stemless, with 12-30 broad triangular leaves forming a pinwheel-like rosette 5-6 cm across, solitary or slowly clustering to about 20 heads. As the name ('file-leaved') suggests, the light green to dark brownish-green leaves carry white tubercles that merge into crosswise ridges, its most distinctive feature. Robust clones with rosettes up to 12 (-15) cm have been selected and propagated, a variegated form is known, and several varieties have been described. Its hard, opaque, ridged leaves set it apart at a glance from the soft, windowed Haworthias. In Japan it is a standard hard-leaved Haworthia sold by both garden centres and specialists.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Fairy washboard
The Fairy washboard grows to Rosettes 5-6 cm across (large clones 12-15 cm).
Basic Info
Origin
Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Eswatini and southern Mozambique
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Rosettes 5-6 cm across (large clones 12-15 cm)
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow it in bright shade all year. Direct sun will not kill it but slows growth and dulls the leaves; a little sun gives a reddish tint and a compact plant.
Watering
It is a spring-autumn grower (March-June and September-November). Water thoroughly when the surface dries in these periods and hold back in summer and winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
Let it rest fairly dry over winter in a bright, frost-free place; cold, wet soil leads to root rot.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix and repot just before or early in a growing season when the soil is spent.
Propagation
Division of offsets at repotting is easiest; leaf cuttings and seed also work. Best in March-May or September-October.
Pests & Cautions
Scale insects, aphids and root mealybugs may attack it, and constantly damp soil breeds fungus gnats.
Fairy washboard FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Fairy washboard?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Fairy washboard get?
The mature size of Fairy washboard is Rosettes 5-6 cm across (large clones 12-15 cm). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Fairy washboard?
Fairy washboard: watering & fertilizer — A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Fairy washboard?
The price of Fairy washboard varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Haworthiopsis limifolia (Marloth) G.D.Rowley
Synonyms: Haworthia limifolia Marloth
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Haworthiopsis limifolia
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Haworthiopsis limifolia is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Haworthiopsis limifolia
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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