Scientific Name
Haworthia magnifica var. splendens J.D.Venter & S.A.Hammer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia mirabilis var. splendens, Haworthia splendens
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The varietal epithet "splendens" (pronounced "SPLEN-denz") means "shining" or "brilliant" and refers to the especially striking appearance of this variety.
Origin
Haworthia magnifica var. splendens 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 and can reach up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The leaves are spreading, with scabrid to finely spined margins, measuring up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long. The tips of the leaves are triangular and more or less translucent between the veins.
The rosette produces slender inflorescences bearing 15 to 25 white flowers with brownish-green mid-veins and a green throat. The inflorescence can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. Only a few flowers open at the same time.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia magnifica var. splendens
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
These succulents are not considered difficult to grow as houseplants. 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 overwatering. 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, wider, shallower container filled 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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