Scientific Name
Tulista pumila f. variegata
Accepted Scientific Name
Tulista pumila (L.) G.D.Rowley
Synonym(s)
Haworthia pumila f. variegata
Common Name(s)
Pearl Plant, Miniature Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodeloideae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Tulista
Etymology
The formal epithet "variegata" (pronounced "var-ee-GAY-tuh") means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks" and refers to the variegated foliage of this plant.
Origin
Tulista pumila f. variegata is a form of Tulista pumila selected in cultivation for its variegated foliage.
Description
Tulista pumila f. variegata, formerly known as Haworthia pumila f. variegata, is a small, slowly proliferous succulent that forms attractive rosettes of variegated leaves covered with 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 in summer on slender stalks that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Tulista pumila f. variegata
Light: This succulent tolerates full sun, but it prefers semi-shade. Any window in your home or office will likely be appropriate for Tulista pumila f. variegata.
Soil: Use a commercial succulent soil mix or make your own.
Temperature: Tulista pumila f. variegata likes warmer summer temperatures but prefers cool winter temperatures. It can tolerate cold down to 30°F (-1.1°C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: In spring and fall, when growth is most active, thoroughly water Tulista pumila f. variegata, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plant less during winter, when its growth slows significantly. When this plant is mostly dormant during the hottest summer months, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Tulista pumila f. variegata does not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilizing is a good idea. Feed during the growing season with a weak fertilizer solution. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Repotting: When it outgrows its pot, repot your Tulista pumila f. variegata in a new, shallow, slightly larger pot with fresh soil. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: Tulista pumila f. variegata is usually propagated by offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tulista.
Toxicity of Tulista pumila f. variegata
Tulista pumila f. 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
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