Haworthia nigra var. diversifolia

Scientific Name

Haworthia nigra var. diversifolia (Poelln.) Uitewaal

Synonyms

Haworthia diversifolia, Haworthia schmidtiana var. diversifolia, Haworthia nigra f. nana, Haworthia schmidtiana f. nana

Common Names

Black Haworthia

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Haworthia nigra var. diversifolia is a slow-growing, erect succulent, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, with grayish-green leaves. The pointy, partially folded, stiff leaves emerge from the center of the rosette. Outer and inner leaf sides have ridged, gray bumps called tubercles. Each new leathery leaf emerges from the center atop the one below it, which lends plants a stacked or tiered look. In winter's chill or under excessive drought stress plants blush red. Overall, the foliage remains dark green with varying grades of gray to black. In late spring or summer, mature rosettes produce single, upright, wiry flower stems topped with tiny white flowers.

Photo via flickr.com

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 decorative, little plants can be grown in interesting containers such as tea cups 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 remaining 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