Howerthia in 6″ Pot

A genus of small, slow-growing evergreen succulents that form tight rosettes 3–30 cm (1–12 in) across (most houseplant types stay 5–15 cm). Rosettes are usually stemless; a few species develop short stems to ∼50 cm. Leaves are thick, fleshy, firm to leathery, dark green to bluish-green, often marked with white bumps, stripes, ridges, or translucent “window” panels at the tips that let light into internal tissue (e.g., H. cooperi, H. cymbiformis). Under stress (bright sun, drought, low nitrogen) leaves can blush red/purple; in low light they stretch and etiolate. Many species clump and produce offsets (“pups”). Flowers appear on long, wiry inflorescences 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall, usually in spring–summer: small, tubular, white with greenish or brownish veins (not showy). Life span can be decades; very slow growth. Closely related genera formerly lumped with Haworthia are now split off as Haworthiopsis (e.g., Zebra Haworthia H. attenuata/fasciata) and Tulista.

Quick care: bright indirect light or morning sun/afternoon shade (east/west window); can take some direct sun but too much causes bleaching or red/purple stress; too little light makes leggy growth. Temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F) ideal; tolerant of 10–35 °C (50–95 °F), but avoid <10 °C (50 °F) for long periods; can survive brief light frost to –1 °C (30 °F) if dry. Soil: very gritty, fast-draining (cactus/succulent mix 50% + coarse sand/perlite/pumice 50%). Water deeply when soil is completely dry (top 2–3 cm), then allow to dry fully—every 1–2 weeks in active growth (spring/fall), less in summer dormancy and winter (every 3–4 weeks). Never let water sit in the rosette; empty saucers. Low humidity preferred (40–50%). Feed 1–2× during growing season with diluted (¼–½ strength) succulent fertilizer; none in summer dormancy or winter. Repot every 2–3 years in spring; shallow pots with drainage holes are best. Propagate by removing offsets (pups) in spring, letting cut ends callus a day, then planting in dry mix; also from leaf cuttings (harder) or seed. Pests rare: mealybugs, root rot from overwatering. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Great for desks, shelves, terrariums, and small containers.