The Haworthia Cymbiformis of the Asphodelaceae family is a unique variety of succulents with an eye-catching leaf style. Their seeds can be interesting to grow for many succulent collectors who wish to propagate Haworthia Cymbiformis plants from scratch.
This is why many gardeners grow Haworthia Cymbiformis; the ease of propagation is enough reason to add them to your garden. Learn how to do it properly with our guide.
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What Is a Haworthia Cymbiformis?
The Haworthia Cymbiformis is an evergreen stemless succulent popular among many gardeners and collectors for its low-maintenance nature.
Whether grown in soil or a pot, the Haworthia varieties thrive well in high levels of sunlight exposure that encourage flowers to develop.
Haworthia Cymbiformis Care
Caring for Haworthia Cymbiformis is relatively easy and low-maintenance. Due to the succulent nature of this plant, it does not require much grooming, care, or upkeep. The slow growth and the relative ease of cultivating this plant have made it quite popular for many gardeners over the years.
Water
WaterThe Haworthia Cymbiformis is a drought-tolerant succulent plant. The efficient water storage system of succulents indicates that frequent watering can harm their root system. In the wild, the plant receives water during the rainy season and sporadically after.
Soak and Dry Method
The ideal watering method for the Haworthia Cymbiformis is the “soak and dry” technique, especially for potted ones. This involves soaking the soil of the plant with water until excess water drains away from the container.
The Haworthia Cymbiformis may be allowed to dry for several days until the soil is slightly dry before watering the plant again. The plant’s root system should not be in prolonged water contact to avoid root rot.
When grown in colder regions, watering should be reduced during the winter season.
Light
LightThe ideal light condition for the Haworthia Cymbiformis is to be exposed to morning light and shaded during the middle to later part of the day. Indirect lighting provides the best condition as it allows the plant to absorb light for photosynthesis without the risk of leaf burn.
When grown in colder regions, the ideal indoor location for the plant is an east- or south-facing window. When possible, the plant should be located outdoors during the warmer periods of the year to allow optimal sunlight exposure.
Soil
SoilThe Haworthia Cymbiformis prefers coarse sandy soil, which can be kept dry or relatively moist. The ideal mixture for this succulent is an equal mix of garden soil, gardening sand, and pumice or perlite. Cactus soil mixture also makes for a great potting material for this plant.
When grown in pots, the Haworthia Cymbiformis can easily adapt to unglazed terra cotta pots as the material helps wick away excess moisture from the soil.
Temperature
TemperatureThe Haworthia Cymbiformis has acclimated to hot and dry environments, making the plant intolerant of low temperatures. The succulent can thrive in temperature ranges of around 60 to 70 F, but not in temperatures lower than 50 F.
In Northern America, the Haworthia Cymbiformis can be grown successfully in USDA zones 9 to 11, where the regional temperatures are ideal for the plant.
When grown indoors, they can be grown almost anywhere as long as the ideal growing conditions are present.
Humidity
HumidityThe Haworthia Cymbiformis has gotten used to growing well in hot and dry habitats. High humidity levels do not play a significant factor in the plant’s growth. On the contrary, the succulent may experience leaf deformations and diseases when grown in relatively high humidity.
Fertilizer
FertilizerThe Haworthia Cymbiformis naturally does not require a lot of fertilization as it has adapted quite well to dry and arid soil conditions. However, this plant can benefit from diluted doses of all-purpose cactus fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
For Haworthia Cymbiformis that have yet to be introduced to supplemental fertilizing feedings, it is recommended to slowly add low-strength solutions.
When grown in colder regions, it is highly recommended to halt any fertilizer feedings to keep the plant healthy.
– Rest Period
The Haworthia Cymbiformis grows in warm environments and will not need any rest period in these areas.
When grown in regions with colder seasons, the plant may need to undergo a dormant phase. During this period, watering should be reduced, and fertilizing should be stopped.
Propagation
The Haworthia Cymbiformis can be cultivated in a number of ways, much like other succulents.
One of the easiest methods involves separating calloused offsets or pups and replanting them in another pot or area.
Another method is to plant calloused leaf cuttings and sow them in another container or location with the ideal soil mix.
Propagating Haworthia Cymbiformis from seeds is a challenging method, as it will require patience to grow these from scratch. Placing the minute seeds into a cactus soil mix and providing sufficient water and light exposure can yield Haworthia Cymbiformis seedlings.
Problems
The Haworthia Cymbiformis usually does not have a lot of cultivation issues. Some instances may require using pesticides.
Pests may include mealybugs, aphids, and mites. Store-bought insecticides or neem oil solutions can remedy these conditions.
For leaf rot, the best option is to remove the diseased leaf and ensure that the soil around the succulent remains clean to keep pests away.
Features of the Haworthia Cymbiformis
– Name Origins
The Haworthia Cymbiformis is named after the English botanist, entomologist, and carcinologist Adrian Hardy Haworth. He was the author of Lepidoptera Britannica, one of the most authoritative research works focusing on British moths and butterflies.
The epithet cymbiformis is derived from the Latin words “cymba,” which means “boat,” and “formis,” which means “having the form.”
Other Names
The Haworthia Cymbiformis is also known as the Cathedral Window Haworthia because of its translucent tips on the leaves.
This plant is also called by other common names, such as Window Boats, Window Haworthia, and Window-Formed Haworthia.
– Size
The Haworthia Cymbiformis usually grows to around three to five inches in height and can spread up to four to six inches wide. This succulent is very slow-growing, although the growing conditions can also factor in strongly when it comes to its growth rate. Water, soil, and available nutrients contribute to the overall health and speed of the succulent’s progress.
– Leaves
The Haworthia Cymbiformis leaves are plump and fleshy, slightly curved at the tip to resemble the bow of a boat. The plant is small and grows in clumps of leaf rosettes with thick bright green leaves. The most striking feature of this succulent is the transparent streaks found at the tips of their leaves.
The Haworthia Cymbiformis leaves are transparent to allow more light to penetrate the plant, optimizing photosynthesis.
– Roots
The Haworthia Cymbiformis roots are fibrous and hair-like. This quality allows the roots to spread out and absorb water more efficiently from the soil. The succulent’s root system has effectively adapted to thrive in environments that naturally get very little rainfall.
The roots of the Haworthia Cymbiformis start as a few tendrils, eventually growing in number as the succulent ages. Normally, the plant has a shallow root system.
– Flowers
The flowers of the Haworthia Cymbiformis are usually white, although they can sometimes come in very pale pink colors. The small blossoms are borne from the tip of an 8-inch stem and appear during the growing season from mid-spring to early summer.
The blooms are tubular in shape, and once they mature, the seeds begin to develop. The Haworthia Cymbiformis seeds are usually scattered by the wind in native habitats, forming new seedlings.
– Habitat
The Haworthia Cymbiformis is naturally found in South Africa, and there is an estimated number of over seventy South African Haworthia species. These can be found in the South African regions of Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth, and East London in Eastern Cape Province.
The Haworthia Cymbiformis can thrive between cracks in rocks and poor soil in these regions. Typically, the succulent prefers to grow in covered areas that still allow high levels of light. Sometimes, the succulent has been found acting as a groundcover in very hot and dry locations.
FAQ
Does Haworthia Cymbiformis like to be misted?
Haworthia Cymbiformis prefers to be misted occasionally, as it benefits from increased humidity.
Should I top or bottom water my Haworthia Cymbiformis?
It is recommended to bottom water your Haworthia Cymbiformis to avoid potential rotting of the leaves.
Does the Haworthia Cymbiformis thrive in winter?
Haworthia Cymbiformis thrives in winter with proper care, as it prefers cooler temperatures and reduced watering.
Conclusion
The striking symmetry of its rosette leaves, the unusual leaf characteristics, and the ease of caring for this succulent make this plant highly desirable. This splendid plant is one of the most in-demand plants and a constant favorite for many growers.
Let’s review what we’ve learned about this succulent so far:
- The Haworthia Cymbiformis is a drought-tolerant succulent accustomed to high temperatures, bright indirect light, dry air, sandy soil, and infrequent watering.
- The slow-growing Haworthia Cymbiformis can benefit from diluted fertilizer solutions, which may help it develop flowers.
- The Haworthia Cymbiformis is sought for its unique leaf growth, as well as its stunningly visual growth pattern, making this plant a common sight in many succulent gardens.
The Haworthia Cymbiformis lights up many indoor and outdoor spaces with its remarkable leaves and mesmerizing geometric rosette pattern. Easy to care for and beautiful to look at, the Haworthia Cymbiformis is the perfect addition to your garden!
