About
Haworthia retusa, the star cactus, is a succulent perennial to 10 cm forming rosettes of very thick, triangular, strongly recurved, translucent-tipped, dark-green leaves to 7 cm long. Small, tubular, white flowers are produced in racemes to 50 cm tall in late winter. A handsome and popular haworthia for a bright windowsill or frost-free greenhouse bench.
About the genus
Haworthia are stemless, succulent perennials forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, often bearing white tubercles or translucent windows, and producing slender racemes of tubular, white flowers. Popular and easy-care plants for a bright windowsill or frost-free greenhouse.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water freely when in growth and keep just moist at other times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer fortnightly during late spring and summer. Stand outside in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free