Haworthia pygmaea

Scientific Name

Haworthia pygmaea Poelln.

Synonym(s)

Haworthia esterhuizenii, Haworthia pygmaea f. crystallina, Haworthia pygmaea var. esterhuizenii, Haworthia pygmaea var. pygmaea

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This species is native to South Africa. It occurs in a small area near Mossel Bay in Western Cape, growing in sparse grasslands in coastal renosterveld.

Description

Haworthia pygmaea is a small succulent that forms stemless rosettes of rough, grey-green to brownish-green leaves with 3 to 5 lighter lines. Rosettes grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, either solitary or slowly offsetting from the base to from a clump. Leaves are thick, fleshy, abruptly recurved, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, and up to 0.7 inches (1,8 cm) wide. The face of the leaves is somewhat heart-shaped to triangular, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) wide. White flowers with greenish veins appear in spring and summer on slender, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long stalks.

Etymology

The specific epithet "pygmaea" refers to the small size of the rosettes.

Haworthia pygmaea — *Photo via raritet-plants.ru*

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 decorative little 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 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.