Haworthia (haw-WUR-thee-uh)

Asphodeloideae; Tribe: Aloeae

Relatives: Aloe, Gasteria

Haworthia is a large genus of small succulent plants endemic to Southern Africa, named after the botanist Adrian Hardy Haworth. The botanist Bruce Bayer recognized approximately 60 species in a review of the genus in 2012, whereas other taxonomists are very much less conservative.

Almost all Haworthia species are naturally adapted for semi-shade conditions (in their natural habitat they tend to grow under bushes or rock overhangs) and they are therefore healthiest in shade or semi-shade. All Haworthia species favor extremely well-drained soil (they tend to grow in poor sands, in rocky areas). Watering depends on the species (winter or summer rainfall) but most of the common species are tolerant of a variety of watering routines. Over-watering can cause the roots to rot. Rarer species may have more specific requirements.

All Haworthia are sensitive to frost, and they are rated as winter hardy to USDA zone 10. Haworthia species reproduce both through seed and through budding, or offsets. Certain species or clones may be more successful or rapid in offset production, and these pups are easily removed to yield new plants once a substantial root system has developed on the offshoot.