Scientific Name
Haworthia mutica Haw.
Synonym(s)
Aloe mutica, Haworthia retusa var. mutica
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "mutica" (pronounced "lap-id-EE-form-iss") means "blunt; lacking a sharp point, spine, awn, or projection" and refers to the rounded leaf tips.
Origin
Haworthia mutica is native to South Africa. It grows in exposed positions, mainly in rock crevices in clay-sandy soil from Bredasdorp to Heidelberg in the Western Cape province.
Description
Haworthia mutica is a small succulent that forms a stemless, usually solitary rosette of abruptly recurved, dark green to brownish green, barely translucent leaves with several longitudinal lines. It is similar to and sometimes difficult to distinguish from Haworthia retusa and Haworthia pygmaea. The rosette can reach a diameter of 3.2 inches (8 cm). The leaves are thick, fleshy, with a triangular apex, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. They often develop purplish cloudiness.
The flowers are small, two-lipped, greenish-white with brownish to purplish veins and appear spirally arranged on simple, slender stalks, mainly in spring and fall. The flower stalks can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia mutica
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 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 dishes. 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, shallow container with fresh potting soil in the spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Learn 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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