Scientific Name
Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval
Common Names
Cathedral Window Haworthia, Window Haworthia, Windowed Boats, Window Boats, Boat-formed Haworthia
Synonyms
Aloe cymbiformis, Catevala cymbiformis, Haworthia planifolia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Description
Haworthia cymbiformis is a stemless, succulent perennial with simple, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long leaves arranged in rosettes up to 3 inches (8 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are fleshy, pale green with dark longitudinal stripes and transparent tips. White to very pale pink flowers with brownish-green veins are borne on a up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall inflorescence. They appear from mid spring or early summer.
Photo via davesgarden.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These succulents are not considered difficult houseplants to grow. If you can keep a pot of Aloe alive on a windowsill, chances are you can do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most dangerous situation is too much water. They should never be allowed to sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, these decorative, little plants can be grown in interesting containers such as tea cups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, make sure the container had adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually remaining between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) in height, and relatively slow-growing. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its dish, repot in the spring or early summer into a new wide and shallow dish with fresh potting soil. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Origin
Haworthia cymbiformis is native to South Africa (Port Elizabeth to East London in the Eastern Cape Province, on rocky slopes along rivers and streams).
Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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