Haworthia magnifica

Scientific Name

Haworthia magnifica Poelln.

Synonym(s)

Haworthia magnifica var. magnifica, Haworthia maraisii var. magnifica, Haworthia mirabilis var. magnifica, Haworthia retusa var. magnifica

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia

Origin

This species is native to South Africa. It occurs between Heidelberg and Riversdale in the Western Cape province, usually growing amongst short grass and stones or in rock crevices.

Description

Haworthia magnifica is a small succulent that forms stemless, slowly proliferous rosettes of dark green to purplish leaves with a slightly scabrid surface with tubercles bearing small spines and small teeth along the edges. The rosettes grow to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Leaves are spreading, with the end area slightly translucent between the veins. They are approximately triangular and up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long.

The small flowers are white with green to brownish veins and appear on slender, up to 16 inches (40 cm) long stalks in fall.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Haworthias 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 small 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, make sure the container had adequate drainage. If it doesn't, it might be a good idea to pop the plant out of its container and add a layer of gravel to the bottom to reduce the wicking action of the soil above. Finally, look out for sunburned spots on your plants.

Haworthias are small, usually 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.

Varieties, Forms, Cultivars, and Hybrids

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