Haworthia cymbiformis
Soft green leaves with windows at tips allow light inside. Nice in pots, even indoors.
 Height | 6–8in |
|---|---|
 Width | 8–12in |
 Tolerates | Drought, Pots, Wind |
 Water needs | Low |
Haworthia cymbiformis likes more frequent watering than other haworthias, but still likes to dry out between waterings. Haworthias are some of the most drought-tolerant succulents, especially in some shade, where they perform better than most other succulents. They will look more lush and vibrant with bi-weekly summer water, or more if they're planted in the sun or in smaller pots. If you see your leaves shriveling, or if the bottom leaves are drying up, your plant likely needs water. | |
 Hardy to | 26°F |
 Exposure | Part Sun – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Rock Garden, Succulent, Suckering |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose, Low Needs |
 Origin | E South Africa |
 Sunset zones | 16, 17, 19–24 |
Growing Notes
Pull off older flower spikes once they are completely dry.
Exceptional choice for pots, even small ones, since this plant grows in tight cracks in nature.
This haworthia offsets from the base, creating a small colony over time. Once a pup is established with its own roots, they are easily divided and repotted.
Special Interest
Dainty white flowers held high on light stems.
Keep an eye out on your flowers as haworthia often set keikis—small pups dangling from the flower spike—that can be replanted once the flower spike begins to wane.
The 'windows' of this plant are a fascinating adaptation. In habitat the plant grows with the leaf mostly underground, and only its windows exposed right at soil level. This allows sunlight to penetrate the leaf which photosynthesizes from the inside! In this way the plant gets a large surface area to photosynthesize with, but only a very small surface area exposed to the elements. Many succulent windows will illuminate if you shine a light in them, or place them in a window where they can be backlit.
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
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