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Haworthia Haworthia

Phonetic Spelling
hay-WUR-thee-ah
Description

Haworthia is a large genus of small, perennial, succulent plants in the daylily family (Asphodelaceae) and is native to South Africa. The genus name honors Adrian Hardy Haworth, a British botanist and entomologist from the late 1700s to early 1800s.

In the wild, these plants grow in harsh conditions and are commonly found buried in sand. For gardeners, they are easy to grow. These plants prefer well-drained potting medium, and it is best to allow the potting medium to dry out between waterings. While they are somewhat tolerant of low-light conditions, they prefer full sun or bright indirect light, which also produces the best colors in the leaves. The average home temperature and humidity levels are adequate for these plants. They are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and are drought tolerant. 

Plants in this genus range in size from 2 to 12 inches tall and equally as wide. They have a clumping habit and form a small rosette with thick, fleshy leaves. The species in this genus have a variety of leaf textures, stripes, and patterns. Some plants have clear leaf tips, while others may have a totally translucent leaf. The flowers are delicate, tubular, white to pink and appear on long slender stems. They typically bloom in the late spring or summer. 

Haworthias are primarily used as ornamentals and are especially popular with beginner gardeners. Consider using these low-maintenance plants in a terrarium, dish garden, or desktop plant in your home or office. In warmer climates that may be used outdoors in a rock garden. 

In 2013 and 2014, the genus Haworthia was split when several species were moved to Haworthiopsis and Tulista. Many familiar cultivated species are now placed in these other genera. Haworthia and Haworthiopsis can usually be distinguished by characteristics of their leaves. Haworthia species have translucent epidermal windows at the tips of their leaves. Haworthiopsis species, on the other hand, have opaque, linear leaves, with white, raised calluses in spots or bands on their undersides. Tulista is similar to Haworthiopsis vegetatively, but the flower is sessile on the pedicel. In Haworthiopsis, the flower has a short stipe where it joins the pedicel.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Haworthias are generally free of most insect pests except for mealybugs. Root rot may occur from excessive watering. These plants are sensitive to frost.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

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See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Haworthia bayeri (Moon Shadow), Haworthia cooperi (Cooper's Haworthia), Haworthia cymbiformis (Cathedral Window Haworthia), Haworthia retusa (Star Cactus), Haworthia truncata (Horse's Teeth)
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#easy to grow#colorful leaves#herbaceous perennial#attractive leaves#container plant#easy to grow houseplant#hsc#hsc-s
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Haworthia bayeri (Moon Shadow), Haworthia cooperi (Cooper's Haworthia), Haworthia cymbiformis (Cathedral Window Haworthia), Haworthia retusa (Star Cactus), Haworthia truncata (Horse's Teeth)
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#easy to grow#colorful leaves#herbaceous perennial#attractive leaves#container plant#easy to grow houseplant#hsc#hsc-s
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Haworthia
    Family:
    Asphodelaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Leaf Cutting
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Distribution:
    Mexico
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 2 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Capsule ovoid to oblong, 3-locular. Seeds with angles winged.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Raceme
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, usually white, flowers. Peduncle erect, simple, with a few sterile bracts; bracts membranous, small, lanceolate to ovate; pedicels short, ascending.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Orange
    Pink
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    While leaf shape and arrangement varies among species, all form characteristic "windows" of translucent epidermis on and around the tops of the leaves. Most are rosulate or "cross-shaped" in growth, and some may have teeth along the margins. Depending on species, leaves can range from 1 to 12 inches in diameter. Bright light can cause many different colors to develop in the leaves.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Rock Wall
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought