Scientific Name
Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval
Common Names
Boat-formed Haworthia, Cathedral Window Haworthia, Windowed Boats, Window Boats, Window Haworthia
Synonyms
Aloe cymbaefolia, Aloe cymbiformis, Catevala cymbiformis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Port Elizabeth to East London in the Eastern Cape Province, on rocky slopes along rivers and streams).
Description
Haworthia cymbiformis is a small, stemless succulent with rosettes of pale green leaves with dark longitudinal stripes and transparent tips. It offsets profusely to form attractive clusters. The rosettes grow up to 3 inches (8 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves are fleshy, boat-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. Flowers are tubular, white to very pale pink with brownish-green veins and appear from mid-spring to early summer on slender, up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall inflorescences.
The specific epithet "cymbiformis" means "boat-shaped." It derives from the Latin words "cymba," meaning "boat" and "formis," meaning "having the form of," and refers to to the way the leaves curve inward and come to a point.
Photo by Cok Grootscholten
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia cymbiformis
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. cymbiformis in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day.
Soil: All Haworthias do not like their roots to remain wet for prolonged periods, so their potting soil should be well-drained. Use a commercial succulent potting mix or make your own.
Hardiness: Haworthias like warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, they do not like being too cold. H. cymbiformis can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: During the hottest summer months, when Haworthias are mostly dormant, water just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling. From fall to spring, when growth is most active, water H. cymbiformis thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water the plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly.
Fertilizing: Haworthias do not require much fertilizer but for optimum growth, fertilization is a good idea. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season.
Repotting: These succulents are generally slow-growing and can stay in the same pot for years. For best health, H. cymbiformis should be repotted into fresh soil every two to three years.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common method of propagating Haworthias. They can also be propagated by leaves and seeds. Remove the offsets when they have started developing their own roots. Sow seeds in spring or fall in a well-draining soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Toxicity of Haworthia cymbiformis
Haworthia species are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Varieties, Forms, and Hybrids of Haworthia cymbiformis
- Haworthia cuspidata
- Haworthia cymbiformis var. obtusa
- Haworthia cymbiformis f. variegata
- x Alworthia 'Black Gem'
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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