The Haworthia Obtusa is a small succulent Haworthia species originating from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Like an aloe plant, the haworthia obtusa [ha-WORTH-ee-a ob-TOO-suh] belongs to the aloaceae family and Haworthia genus. It is a relatively small perennial with distinct bright leather-like green leaves that resemble clumps.
This succulent plant also goes by the botanical name Haworthia Cymbiformis, but you may find these durable houseplants in your local nursery under these names:
- Cushion aloe
- Window haworthia
- Star window plant
- Zebra cactus
- Cooper’s haworthia
Haworthia Obtusa Care
The haworthia obtusa makes a good houseplant because it’s relatively easy to maintain. Beginners will especially like this succulent for its durability.
Read about Growing and Care of Succulent Haworthia plants.
Size & Growth
The haworthia obtusa is a small succulent with its rosettes growing up to six inches in diameter. Even though it is small, this succulent is mighty. The haworthia tends to spread out, making it an excellent ground cover option.
Flowering and Fragrance
The haworthia obtusa blooms in the spring and summer, but they aren’t very bright or big. The flowers tend to be white with light pink veins.
The flowers grow to about eight inches tall. The flowers on the haworthia obtusa have no prevalent fragrance.
Light & Temperature
The haworthia obtusa prefers to have some partial shade but does best to plant it in an area that gets a lot of bright light and shade during the hottest part of the day.
The haworthia obtusa is a year-round plant that stands up to both hot and cold temperatures. The succulent can survive a mild frost (-5 degrees Celsius) if covered but needs to be inside during harsher temperatures.
The succulent will survive its dormant summer months as long as it gets a little water to avoid wilting.
Watering and Feeding
The haworthia obtusa, like many succulents, doesn’t require a lot of watering.
The fall, winter, and spring months are when the haworthia obtusa grows the most, with the fall and spring being the most active.
During these months, be sure to water the haworthia obtusa often. Wait for the soil to become dry before watering the plant.
In the summer months, when the haworthia obtusa is not growing, water just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling up.
The haworthia obtusa only needs fertilization once during its growing season. After that, it does not require any particular food.
More on Watering Haworthia succulents
Soil & Transplanting
The haworthia obtusa will thrive as a potted plant in a drier well-draining soil mix because it allows air to circulate better. Therefore, it’s important to drain any potting soil before planting. Plant the haworthia obtusa in a shallow pot (10-15 centimeters) with a drainage hole using porous soil.
There are succulent-specific soils on the market, which you can find at most nurseries. Another option is to make your cactus mix using several ingredients.
An advantage to making homemade cactus or succulent soil is knowing precisely about its ingredients. Then you will know how often and how much to water the plant to keep the succulent thriving.
If you want to cut off a piece of the plant to transplant elsewhere, be sure to use a knife, not scissors. Scissors can harm the leaves and kill them.
Once cut, the leaves need about a month to develop a scab. Once a scab develops, the leaves are ready for planting.
Grooming and Maintenance
The beauty of the haworthia obtusa is that it does not require very much maintenance. The only thing you should do to keep it thriving is to maintain an adequate water supply and make sure it doesn’t get too cold.
If there is a prolonged frost time, be sure to thoroughly over it or bring it inside.
Grooming the haworthia obtusa is also relatively easy; it does not need regular pruning. The only times you would need to cut off its leaves are if the plant is overtaking the area or you want to transplant part of it to another location.
Propagating Haworthia Obtusa
Another positive trait of haworthia obtusa is that it’s easy to propagate.
In the spring or summer, cut off an offshoot or take leaf cuttings from the mother plant. Let the leaves or offset sit for about a month before planting it. Allowing the leaves to rest will enable them to heal properly before planting.
After a month, plant the basal leaf side down into fresh soil. You will start to see a new plant emerge after about a month or two.
Haworthia Obtusa Pests or Diseases
There are no significant diseases or pests that threaten the haworthia obtusa. Occasionally the succulent will develop root rots, which occurs when there is too much moisture in the potting mix.
To mitigate this problem, cut back on the watering schedule. If not adequately addressed, however, root rots can kill the plant.
Other Popular Haworthia Plant Varieties To Collect and Grow
- Haworthia Cooperi
- Haworthia truncata
- Haworthia mucronata