Haworthia

Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata var. radula) is a small, easy care succulent that forms rosettes of fat, dark bronze-green leaves dotted with raised white bumps. Each rosette reaches about 15cm tall and wide, and the plant clumps up as pups form, so one pot soon becomes a group. It is sometimes sold as Hankey dwarf aloe, and it suits bright rooms, pots and dry rockeries.

Why you'll love it

• Textured, dramatic leaves. Raised white bumps on dark bronze-green leaves give the surface a slightly rough feel. The name radula means scraper.
• Very easy care. It needs little water and little attention, which makes it a good first succulent.
• Clumps into a group. Pups form around the base, so one plant becomes a cluster you can divide and share.
• Happier with a little shade. Filtered light suits it better than many succulents, so it works in rooms and shaded spots where an echeveria would stretch.
• Safe around pets. Haworthia is not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Indoors in bright rooms. A windowsill, desk or shelf with filtered light is ideal. Use a small pot with a drainage hole.

Pots and containers. Group several rosettes in a shallow bowl with a gritty succulent mix. When the pot gets crowded, lift the pups and re-pot them.

Rockeries and waterwise beds. In dry climates without frost, plant 15cm apart among rocks, where the crown can sit above the soil and drain freely.

Growing Haworthia in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light is ideal, and it likes a little more shade than most succulents. Protect it from frost. Outdoors it suits frost-free subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and elsewhere it does well in a pot indoors.

Soil. Free-draining soil, whether in a pot or in the garden. Take care to keep the crown above the soil.

Water and feed. It needs little water. Weekly watering during the warmer months keeps the plants looking lush, and less is needed in cool weather. Fertilise in spring with an organic liquid feed mixed at half rate.

Pruning. None is needed. If potted plants become crowded as pups develop, lift the young plants and re-pot them or share them with friends.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell this Haworthia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so pot it into a free-draining mix and keep it in filtered light while it settles. Growth is steady rather than fast.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

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 for rockeries
• More indoor plants

Common questions

How much light does it need?

Bright but filtered light. It likes a little more shade than many succulents, so avoid harsh midday sun through glass.

Is it really an aloe?

No. It is sometimes sold as Hankey dwarf aloe, but it is a haworthia, a relative of the aloes. Hankey is a place in South Africa where it originates.

Can I leave it outdoors in winter?

Only where frost does not occur. Protect plants from frost, and in colder places bring pots indoors.