Scientific Name
Tulista pumila 'Variegata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Tulista pumila (L.) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Pearl Plant, Miniature Aloe
Synonym(s)
Haworthia pumila f. variegata, Haworthia pumila 'Variegata', Tulista pumila f. variegata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodeloideae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Tulista
Origin
Tulista pumila 'Variegata' is a form of Tulista pumila selected for its variegated foliage.
Description
Tulista pumila 'Variegata', formerly known as Haworthia pumila 'Variegata', is a small, slowly proliferous succulent that forms attractive rosettes of variegated leaves covered with raised white tubercles. The leaves are olive-green to dark brownish-green with irregular creamy-white to yellow markings. The slow-growing rosettes can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The thick, fleshy leaves are triangular-ovate to broadly lanceolate, upright, sometimes incurved, measuring up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The flowers are greenish to brownish-white, waxy in texture, and appear on slender stalks that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Tulista pumila 'Variegata'
Light: This succulent tolerates full sun, but it prefers semi-shaded positions. Any window in your home or office will likely be appropriate for T. pumila 'Variegata'.
Soil: Use a commercial soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own.
Temperature: T. pumila 'Variegata' likes warmer temperatures in summer but cool in winter. It can tolerate cold down to 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water T. pumila 'Variegata' thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plant less during the winter when its growth slows down significantly. When this plant is mostly dormant during the hottest summer months, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: T. pumila 'Variegata' does not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilization is a good idea. Feed during the growing season with a weak fertilizer solution. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Repotting: When it begins to outgrow its pot, repot your T. pumila 'Variegata' in a new shallow and slightly larger pot with fresh soil. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: This plant rarely offsets, so most propagation is by seeds. Spring is the best time to sow seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tulista.
Toxicity of Tulista pumila 'Variegata'
T. pumila 'Variegata' is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Tulista
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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