Haworthia

Haworthia (Haworthia chalwinii) is an easy care succulent whose dark bronze-green leaves, spotted with white, interlock in tiers that spiral up the stem. It matures into neat rosettes up to about 30cm tall and 50cm wide, and it sends up pink flowers when it is happy. It is a tidy, unusual choice for pots, succulent gardens and bright spots in the house.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves in spiralling tiers. The interlocking layers wind up long stems, which gives the plant a sculptural look that suits a modern pot.
• Bronze-green with white spots. The dark colouring is spotted with white, so it stands out against pale gravel and light pots.
• Pink flowers. A happy plant sends up pink flowers, a small reward for good light and careful watering.
• Flexible about light. It is suited to full sun and part shade, so you can place it in a bright room or an outdoor spot.
• Safe around pets. Haworthia is not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Succulent gardens. Plant 40cm apart among other waterwise plants in a free-draining bed. At up to 50cm wide, each plant fills out a generous patch over time.

Pots and containers. A wide, shallow pot with drainage holes shows off the tiers. Keep the crown above the soil surface.

Bright spots indoors. A sunny windowsill or a well lit corner keeps the colouring sharp and the stems upright.

Growing Haworthia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Protect it from frost. Outdoors it suits frost-free subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, while in colder places it is better in a pot you can bring inside.

Soil. Free-draining soil, in pots or in the garden. Keep the crown above the soil to avoid rot.

Water and feed. Haworthias need little water. Weekly watering during the warmer months keeps plants looking lush. Fertilise in spring with an organic liquid feed mixed at half rate.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. When potted plants crowd as pups develop, lift the young plants and re-pot them, or share them with friends.

What to expect when it arrives

Haworthia chalwinii is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plants arrive small and take time to build the tiers, so treat the tube as the start of a long-lived pot plant.

Our tube stock is not always available. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none right now, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulents
• How to repot your plants like a pro
• Plants that thrive in pots
• More drought tolerant plants

Common questions

How big does this Haworthia get?

Up to about 30cm tall and 50cm wide, which is large for a haworthia. It builds up long stems and clumps over time.

Does it flower?

Yes. It produces pink flowers when it is happy, which means good light and sensible watering.

How often should I water it?

Weekly in the warmer months, which keeps it looking lush, and less in cool weather. Let the pot drain freely each time.