🌱 Morphology
    Cultivar of Haworthia pygmaea, prized for the crystalline appearance of its leaves. It forms a compact, slow-growing rosette with short, broad, fleshy leaves whose tips feature translucent windows covered in tiny whitish bumps. These papillae, especially dense in the finest specimens, create a grainy texture reminiscent of sugar crystals or finely ground quartz. In suitable light, the surface takes on a delicate sheen and an almost frosted appearance. Its color ranges from light green to dark green, with grayish or brownish tones depending on the light, temperature, and hydration. The rosette usually measures around 4–6 cm in diameter, although some mature specimens may exceed these dimensions. Over time, it may produce offsets and form small clumps.

🌍 Origin, habitat, and family
The wild species is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa, around Mossel Bay and Great Brak, in the southern Little Karoo region and nearby coastal areas. It grows in stony soils among quartz outcrops and rocks, often partially sheltered by surrounding vegetation. The stones reduce direct sun exposure and help retain some moisture in the soil.

The region receives rainfall throughout the year, although amounts vary locally and are significantly influenced by autumn and winter precipitation. Mild, damp periods encourage root and leaf growth, while intense heat and summer drought reduce the plant’s activity. In cultivation, it usually behaves like a Haworthia with summer dormancy, so watering should be adjusted to the actual temperature and the substrate should not be kept damp during heatwaves. It may lose some of its old roots during the unfavorable season and produce new roots when conditions improve.

Family Asphodelaceae, tribe Alooideae, genus Haworthia.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 10a
It tolerates minimum temperatures of approximately −1 °C for short periods, provided the substrate is dry. It is sensitive to the combination of cold and persistent moisture, especially when the root system is weakened.

☀️ Light
Bright, filtered light. Partial shade. Adequate light encourages compact growth and enhances the translucent, grainy appearance of the leaf windows. A PAR DLI of 8–15 mol/m²/day is recommended, with gradual acclimatization. Intense direct sun can cause burns, reddening, and dehydration. A bright spot sheltered from the midday summer sun helps preserve the leaves’ texture and color.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Summer dormancy. During periods of extreme heat, it is recommended to water much less frequently and let the substrate dry out completely. During this phase, it may lose old roots and replace them when temperatures drop and favorable moisture returns. During active growth, water thoroughly and allow the substrate to dry completely before watering again. It is best to observe the leaves’ turgidity and the plant’s activity rather than follow a fixed schedule.

🌸 Flowering
It produces a slender, elongated inflorescence with small, tubular flowers that are white with greenish lines, characteristic of the genus. Flowering occurs when the plant has suitable growing conditions, although its ornamental appeal is secondary to the crystalline texture of its leaves. Young specimens may take several years to flower.

🌿 Nutrition
During the active growing period, we recommend Desert CHOICE® Aloes, Haworthias & Co., which is high in potassium and bioavailable calcium. Apply with watering, reducing or suspending fertilization during summer dormancy.

8x8 cm gourmet black pot

This is a one-of-a-kind xerophytic plant, grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and in substrate enriched with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

* Since this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may differ slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant’s measurements, but these may also vary slightly because it is a living thing! Every plant at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.