Haworthia mirabilis

Scientific Name

Haworthia mirabilis (Haw.) Haw.

Synonyms

Aloe mirabilis, Haworthia mirabilis var. mirabilis, Apicra mirabilis, Catevala mirabilis, Haworthia multifaria, Haworthia mundula, Haworthia retusa var. mirabilis

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Haworthia mirabilias is a slow-growing succulent that usually grows as a solitary stemless rosette of green leaves with longitudinal pale green lines along the upper surfaces and small teeth along the margins. The rosette grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The leaves turn brownish or reddish in the sun. Flowers are small, white, and appear on a long stalk.

Haworthia mirabilis — *Photo via davesgarden.com*

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, make sure the container had adequate drainage.

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. 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.