Haworthia mutica

Scientific Name

Haworthia mutica Haw.

Synonyms

Haworthia mutica var. mutica, Haworthia groenewaldii, Aloe mutica, Haworthia otzenii, Haworthia retusa var. mutica

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Haworthia mutica is a small succulent that forms compact flattened rosettes of glaucous grey-green or glossy dark green, prominently windowed leaves with a characteristic bluish-brown coloration, often developing purplish cloudiness and striped in subtle shades of green. It is a variable species sometimes difficult to distinguish from Haworthia retusa and Haworthia pygmaea. Rosettes grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Leaves are thick, truncated, and triangular at the apex. Flowers are small, two-lipped, greenish-white with pale purplish veins and appear mainly in summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 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. 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 dish, repot into a new wide and shallow dish 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.

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (Western Cape).