Haworthia Pumila: An Unusual Succulent You Should Know

Oleh Jodi Nicolas June 07, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you a fan of succulents? If so, you've probably heard of the Haworthia genus. This group of small, fascinating plants is native to southern Africa and is beloved by collectors for their unique shapes and patterns. One species that stands out in particular is Haworthia pumila. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about this unusual succulent.

What is Haworthia Pumila?

Haworthia pumila is a small, slow-growing succulent plant that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It's native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Western Cape Province. The plant has dark green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with raised white dots on the upper surface that give the plant a unique appearance. The flowers are small and white, appearing on long stalks that rise above the leaves.

How to Care for Haworthia Pumila?

Haworthia pumila is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:

Light: Haworthia pumila prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but should be protected from strong afternoon sun.
Watering: Water your plant when the soil is completely dry. Allow the water to drain out of the pot before replacing it in its spot.
Soil: Haworthia pumila prefers well-draining soil with sand or perlite mixed in.
Temperature: Keep your plant in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). Avoid exposing it to very low temperatures or frost.
Fertilizer: Feed your Haworthia pumila once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

How to Propagate Haworthia Pumila?

There are two main ways to propagate Haworthia pumila: by offsets and leaf cuttings.

Offsets: Haworthia pumila produces small offsets or "pups" that can be removed from the mother plant when they're large enough to have their own roots. Carefully remove the pup from the soil, taking care not to damage its roots. Plant it in a separate pot with well-draining soil and water sparingly until it has established new roots.
Leaf Cuttings: Alternatively, you can propagate Haworthia pumila using leaf cuttings. Choose a healthy leaf and remove it from the mother plant, making a clean cut at the base of the leaf. Allow the leaf to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until it has established new roots.

Types of Haworthia Pumila

While there is only one species of Haworthia pumila, there are several cultivars available that offer variations in color and pattern. Some popular types include:

Haworthia pumila 'Donuts': This cultivar has leaves that are arranged in a tight circle, giving them a donut-like appearance.
Haworthia pumila 'Royal Albert': This cultivar has dark green leaves with raised white dots that form a distinctive triangle shape.
Haworthia pumila 'White Ghost': This cultivar has pale green leaves with raised white dots that give it a ghostly appearance.

Common Problems with Haworthia Pumila

Like all plants, Haworthia pumila can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common problems you might encounter:

Rot: Overwatering can cause the roots of your Haworthia pumila to rot. Make sure to let the soil dry out before watering again, and make sure the pot has adequate drainage.
Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest your plant and suck its sap. They can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Sunburn: Exposing your Haworthia pumila to too much direct sunlight can cause its leaves to turn brown or white. Move it to a shadier spot if this happens.

Fun Facts about Haworthia Pumila

Here are some interesting tidbits about this fascinating succulent:

Haworthia pumila is also known as "fairy washboard" because of the raised white dots on its leaves.
This plant is not toxic to pets or humans, making it a safe choice for households with furry friends.
In the wild, Haworthia pumila grows in rocky crevices and is often partially buried in the soil to protect it from harsh sun and wind.

Haworthia pumila is a unique and beautiful addition to any succulent collection. With its distinctive appearance and easy care requirements, it's a great choice for both beginners and experienced growers. Whether you're looking to propagate your own plants or just admire their unusual shapes and patterns, Haworthia pumila is definitely worth getting to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Haworthia pumila look like?

Haworthia pumila has dark green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with raised white dots on the upper surface.

2. How do you care for Haworthia pumila?

Haworthia pumila prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it sparingly when the soil is dry, and keep it in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).

3. How do you propagate Haworthia pumila?

Haworthia pumila can be propagated by offsets or leaf cuttings. Separate the offset from the mother plant and plant it in well-draining soil. For leaf cuttings, allow the leaf to dry before planting it in soil.