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Haworthia spp.

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Haworthia is a genus of small, rosette-forming succulents in the family Asphodelaceae, native to southern Africa. Most plants are compact, forming clusters of fleshy leaves 1-6 inches (2.5-15 cm) across and only 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) tall, though colonies spread wider by offsets. The thick, triangular to rounded leaves are often marked with raised white tubercles, pale flecks, or translucent windows at the tips that admit light to the buried leaf interior in habitat. Leaf color ranges from deep green to reddish or purplish brown in strong light. Slender flower stalks 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall rise from the rosette, carrying small tubular white flowers veined with green or brown, mostly in spring and summer. In the wild Haworthia grows in arid scrub and rocky ground, frequently sheltered under shrubs or partly buried, which is why most species scorch in direct midday sun. The genus needs gritty, free-draining soil; overwatering and cold, damp conditions cause root rot. Plants tolerate only light frost and are grown indoors or under glass in temperate regions.

Native Range

Haworthia spp. is native to southern Africa, with most species concentrated in the Cape provinces of South Africa and a few extending into Namibia, Eswatini, and Mozambique. Plants grow in arid scrub, grassland, and rocky ground, often sheltered beneath shrubs or among stones.

Suggested Uses

Haworthia spp. is grown as a windowsill and desk houseplant, in dish gardens, and in mixed succulent containers, and it is used outdoors in frost-free rock and gravel gardens. Its small size suits shallow pots and terrariums with good ventilation.

How to Identify

Look for a small, low rosette of thick, fleshy triangular leaves, often bearing raised white tubercles, pale bands, or translucent window-like tips. The rosettes cluster into clumps by offsets and stay under about 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Thin flower stalks carry small tubular white flowers veined with green or brown.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 6"

Width/Spread2" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring Summer

Haworthia spp. flowers mainly in spring and summer, though potted plants may bloom at other times. Wiry stalks rise well above the rosette, each bearing a loose spike of small white tubular flowers striped green or brown. The flowers are small and open a few at a time along the stalk.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white veined with green or brown

Foliage Description

green to reddish-brown

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Haworthia spp. in gritty, free-draining cactus or succulent mix in bright, indirect light; direct midday sun can scorch and redden the leaves. Water thoroughly when the soil has dried, then let it dry again, watering less in winter when growth slows. Standing water around the roots causes rot. Feed lightly with a dilute low-nitrogen fertilizer once or twice in the growing season. Most species tolerate temperatures down to about 40-50°F (4-10°C) and are damaged by frost. Offsets can be removed and rooted to propagate.

Pruning

Haworthia spp. needs no pruning. Remove dried outer leaves and spent flower stalks, and divide crowded clumps by detaching offsets in spring. Damaged or rotting leaves are cut away to keep the rosette healthy.