Haworthia COOPERI 'PICTURATA'

Haworthia COOPERI 'PICTURATA' - Cooper's haworthia, Haworthia cooperi 'Picturata'.

Haworthia is a genus of miniature and dwarf succulent herbaceous plants in the subfamily Asphodeloideae. Many species are cultivated as indoor plants. The genus is named in honor of the English botanist Adrian Haworth.

A perennial evergreen succulent from South Africa, possessing many slow-growing varieties. Plump leaves form a rosette up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter on a practically absent stem. Different species of Haworthia differ mainly in the shape, color, and texture of foliage. Often plants produce numerous lateral shoots, forming dense cushions or mats.

Fleshy dark green leaves are situated either at ground level or on a short, slightly elevated stem. Some varieties outwardly resemble houseleeks. Many species have transparent areas in the form of windows at the leaf apices, allowing light to penetrate into the tissue. In some haworthias, the leaves are covered with white tuberculate outgrowths resembling hardened sugar glaze. Leaf margins can be smooth, dentate, ciliate, or aristate. Small white flowers are typical for most species.

Cooper's haworthia has smooth translucent triangular leaves up to 5 cm (2.0 in) long, emerging from the center of the rosette. Light green leaves are pointed toward the tips. Flowering occurs in spring and summer with an erect raceme 30-40 cm (12-16 in) in height, consisting of small white flowers.

Sowing is carried out on the surface of cactus substrate, the container is covered with film, and the soil is moistened. Seeds are germinated at a temperature of about 22 °C (72 °F) in a bright location, avoiding direct sunlight. Seedlings require ventilation. Waterlogging and drying out of the crops must be avoided.

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Haworthia is considered quite simple to grow. As with all succulents, the most common mistake is overwatering. To avoid these problems, a layer of drainage is added to the bottom of a wide, shallow container with the plant, over which a non-acidic, well-draining substrate is poured. In winter, watering is carried out only after the soil dries out; during other periods, the soil is kept slightly moist. Misting is not required.

Repotting is also unnecessary, as the plant feels great for many years in the same container. Haworthias need bright diffused light, while they are ready to tolerate direct sunlight only in spring and autumn. In summer, a weak solution of cactus and succulent fertilizer can be applied once a month.