Haworthia - Cymbiformis
Haworthia cymbiformis is a charming succulent prized for its translucent, boat-shaped leaves that form attractive rosettes. This relatively small and easy-to-grow plant is a popular choice for windowsills and small containers, adding a touch of unique texture and form to indoor succulent collections.
Key Features of Haworthia cymbaformis
- Translucent Leaves: The most distinctive feature is its fleshy, boat-shaped leaves that are often translucent, allowing light to filter through and highlighting internal patterns.
- Rosette Formation: Forms compact rosettes of numerous leaves.
- Light Green Coloration: Leaves are typically a light to medium green, sometimes with darker green lines or markings.
- Soft Spines or Teeth: Leaf margins and keels may have soft, harmless spines or teeth.
- Relatively Small Size: Generally remains a small and manageable succulent.
- Slow Growth Rate: Grows relatively slowly.
- Produces Offsets: Mature plants readily produce offsets or "pups" around the base.
- White Flowers: Can produce slender stalks bearing small, white, tubular flowers.
Care for Your Haworthia cymbaformis
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct, intense sun can scorch the leaves. East or west-facing windows are often ideal.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is recommended.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is dry to the touch. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a significant risk. Reduce watering in the winter.
- Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and should be protected from frost.
- Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels.
Maintenance for a Thriving Haworthia cymbaformis
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosettes.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger with drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and scale. Treat any infestations promptly.
- Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Offsets (Pups): The easiest and most common method. Gently separate offsets that have developed their own root systems from the mother plant and pot them individually. Allow any cut surfaces to callus over for a day or two before planting.
- Leaf Cuttings: While possible, propagation from leaf cuttings can be slow and less reliable for Haworthia. Allow the cut end of a healthy leaf to callus over before placing it on top of well-draining soil. New plantlets may eventually emerge.
- Seed: Propagation from seed is a slower process and typically used by breeders.
Haworthia cymbaformis is a delightful and unique succulent that is relatively easy to care for, making it a wonderful addition to any indoor plant collection. Its translucent leaves and compact form provide year-round interest.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.

