[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Haworthia cymbiformis v. transluscens (Haw). C.-J. Duval
Liliaceae

Distribution:  Widespread in the eastern Cape, it can be found on rock faces and under bushes in river valleys.

Description:  Haworthia cymbiformis has alot of varieties; this is the transluscens clone.  Like most H. cymbiformis, the 3 inch rosette of pastel green leaves are thin skinned, swollen, opaque and have   transparent "windows" at the ends.  This clone tends to have denser rosettes and also a somewhat more transparent appearance, hence the name.

Flower: A long raceme with several long, fluted, cream colored blooms with pale blue-green stripes down the petals.  All haworthias are self-sterile, so having two different individuals of the same variety is necessary to produce seeds. Not surprisingly, different species hybridize easily.  The fruit resembles a tiny green pickle.

Propagation:  Seeds & pups.

Cultivation: Despite the apperance of being bloated with water, H. cymbiformis will suffer badly during the winter if not watered regurarly.  Other than that, it is of fairly easy culture.  Like most Haworthias, I give it light shade and an outdoor location during the summer.  In the winter it grows under lights.  The soil is a loose mix with some organic matter.   One cultural practice I abandoned was a top dressing of sand.  This tended to rot off the roots during the winter, causing the plant to dehydrate rapidly.  Fortunatly, most Haworthia root extremly easily (and extremly quickly!) if  set in a stream of flowing water.  Once re-established, the plants are being reset into soil with no sand on the top.  Finally, as flowers are concerned,
all Haworthias appear to be identical.

Photographer, Grower: Roger L. Sieloff