How to Grow and Care for Haworthias

Cathedral window haworthia is commonly used as an ornamental plant, either indoors or out. It grows in small clusters of daughter-plant clones. The latter part of its scientific name, Haworthia cymbiformis, means “boat-shaped” in reference to the fleshy leaves that curl into a point toward the center of each rosette.

Star cactus (Haworthia retusa) is an evergreen succulent perennial that will grow to 51 cm tall. It has dark-green triangular leaves with light-green stripes. The leaves form a rosette from which the flower stalk emerges in late spring to early summer. The 51 cm long flower stalk produces clusters of small white tubular-shaped flowers. Thrives in partial shade with bright, indirect light. Avoid extended periods in full sun.

Zebra plant leaves are dark green with white-banded stripes, much like those on zebras. The leaves also have a hard texture. Zebra plant is often potted as an indoor plant. With beautifully-shaped pots, it is suitable for decorating tables, coffee tables, or window sills.

The fairy washboard (Haworthia limifolia) earns its fanciful common name from its leaves, which are ridged and resemble an old-fashioned washboard for laundry. These leaves grow in a rosette pattern. Fairy washboard is native to southeastern Africa but is often cultivated as a houseplant. It produces small, tubular clusters of unremarkable white flowers.

Haworthia pilifera (Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera) is a plant species endemic to eastern South Africa. Haworthia pilifera can be differentiated from related species that grow in the same geographical region because it grows on lowland plains while other Haworthia grow on cliffs. This species is cultivated as an ornamental houseplant. It should be watered whenever the first few inches of potting soil dry out.