Scientific Name
Haworthia magnifica var. splendens J.D.Venter & S.A.Hammer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia mirabilis var. splendens, Haworthia splendens, Haworthia splendens var. hansii, Haworthia splendens var. ingoi, Haworthia splendens var. masai
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Origin
This variety is native to South Africa. It is known from two localities west of Albertinia in the Western Cape province.
Description
Haworthia magnifica var. splendens is an attractive small succulent that forms stemless, slowly proliferous rosettes of dark green to pinkish-red leaves with shiny black raised tubercles and 4 to 5 longitudinal silvery-grey lines on the upper surface. The rosettes slowly grow to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Leaves are spreading, with scabrid to finely spined margins, and up to 1.4 inches (3.5) cm long. The tip of the leaves is triangular and more or less translucent between the veins.
The rosette produces slender, up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall inflorescences bearing 15 to 25 white flowers with brownish-green mid-veins and a green throat. Only a few flowers open at the same time.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 little decorative plants can be grown in interesting containers such as teacups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, ensure the container has adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) in height, and relatively slow-growing. Therefore, they are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow containers. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its container, repot it into a new wide and shallow container with fresh potting soil in spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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