Haworthia cymbiformis

La Haworthia cymbiformis it is a plant with a very beautiful rounded shape. Its size is rather small, and although it has a tendency to produce suckers, its cultivation in pots is highly recommended, even more so than in the ground: the characteristic green color of its leaves stands out against the brown tones of the volcanic sand, giving it a ornamental value that is already high.

In addition, the maintenance of this species is simple. It does not need much attention, except for some sporadic irrigation, so do not hesitate to meet her  .

Origin and characteristics of Haworthia cymbiformis

It is a crass plant, or non-cactus succulent, endemic to South Africa. It develops more or less triangular, fleshy and greenish leaves that grow into rosettes about 3-5 centimeters high by 5-7 centimeters wide.. Like many other Haworthia, it has a very, very tendency to produce suckers, and from an early age.

Its flowers sprout from a long and thin stem of about 7-10 centimeters, and are whitish. The fruit is dry, and contains numerous blackish seeds.

Varieties

The following are known:

• Haworthia cymbiformis var. cymbiformis
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. cymbiformis f. agavoids
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. cymbiformis f. bilinear
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. cymbiformis f. planifolia
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. incurvulate
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. obtuse
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. reddie
• Haworthia cymbiformis var. setulifera

What are the care you need?

If you dare to have a copy, we recommend providing the following care so that you can have it for many years:

Location

• Exterior: If you are going to have it outside, it is important that it is protected from direct sun, since even though it lives in the desert, the sand usually covers it almost completely. For this reason, it is not a plant that can live exposed to the rays of the a
• Interior: the room must be bright, and it must be placed away from drafts.

Irrigation

Irrigation will be rather scarce. During the summer you will appreciate 2-3 waterings a week, but the rest of the year and especially in winter you will have to water less: once every 15 to 30 days. In the event that you live in an area where the temperature drops below 0 degrees, you have to know that the substrate must remain dry during the frost, otherwise the roots could be damaged. For this reason, if there is a forecast of rain and / or frost, do not water until it has passed.

Every time you water, moisten the soil well. Pour water in until you see it coming out of the pot's drainage holes; and if you have a plate underneath, remove it 20 minutes after watering, since stagnant water would damage the root system.

Subscriber

It is highly recommended to pay the Haworthia cymbiformis during all the warm months of the year, using for this a fertilizer for succulents (for sale No products found.) following the directions specified on the package, or if you prefer one or two small tablespoons of blue nitrophoska every week.

Avoid adding more amount than indicated. An overdose would burn the roots, and as a result the plant would die.

Multiplication

It multiplies both by seeds and, especially, by separation of suckers in spring-summer:

Seeds

The seeds are sown in trays with holes in the base or in pots wider than tall with sandy substrate. A good mix could be black peat mixed with perlite in equal parts, although the soil for cacti would also work, as long as it is quality. Then, they are covered with a little soil, and watered.

Finally, the seedbed is placed in semi-shade. Thus, they will germinate in 1-2 months.

Young

The suckers can be separated from the mother plant as soon as they reach a size of about 2-4 centimeters. To do this, remove the plant from the pot, remove a little soil from its roots, and then with your fingers -and carefully- separate the suckers you want. Afterwards, you will only have to plant them in individual pots.

Planting or transplanting time

La Haworthia cymbiformis is a plant that you will only need one, two or three transplants in your lifetime. Do this when you see the roots come out of the drainage holes, or when it has already occupied the entire pot, in spring.

Plagues and diseases

It is very resistant in general. May have some cochineal, but nothing that cannot be removed with a little soap and water. However, special care must be taken with snailsas their leaves are eaten.

Rusticity

From my own experience, I will tell you that it resists well frosts down to -2ºC as long as it is punctual and of short duration. But hail damages its leaves, so it is better to keep it sheltered during the winter, for example, indoors or in a greenhouse.

Where to buy Haworthia cymbiformis?

It is easy to find in nurseries, both physical and online. You can also buy it from here:

What did you think of this succulent? 