There are thousands of versatile and low-maintenance succulents to choose from. If you want something interesting to talk about, you should look for the unusual succulent Coopers Haworthia (Haworthia cooperi).
This slow-growing, compact species features triangular or rounded tips on green leaves that grow in attractive rosette clumps. They also have bristly leaf margins. The unique highlight of this plant is the transparency in the fleshy tips. In some varieties, the tips are completely transparent, and in others, you see translucent streaks. If youre lucky, you might even see pinkish-white blooms appear on long stems during the spring or summer.
With its diminutive size and translucent, jewel-toned foliage, the Haworthia cooperi makes a charming addition to any succulent collection. This distinctive little plant is packed with personality but remains easygoing enough for novice gardeners. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Haworthia cooperi thriving indoors or outdoors.
An Overview of Haworthia Cooperi
Haworthia cooperi, also called Cooper’s haworthia, is a charming succulent that originates from South Africa. Some key facts:
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It has a compact, low rosette shape that only reaches 3-5 inches tall and 4 inches wide at maturity
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The triangular, fleshy leaves have translucent tips ranging from emerald to bluish-green. Some varieties have a red blush when exposed to ample sun.
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Tiny white or pink-white flowers may emerge on slender stalks during summer. However, the blooms are fairly insignificant.
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There are many cultivars, but some popular ones include ‘Obtusa’, ‘Pilifera’, ‘Venusta’, and ‘Dielsiana’.
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Hardiness zones 9-11 are best, but they can tolerate zone 8 with winter protection.
With proper care, Haworthia cooperi is an undemanding plant that remains an ideal size for desktops and dish gardens Read on for a complete care guide!
Choosing the Best Growing Site
Haworthia cooperi appreciates bright light, but direct hot sun will scorch the leaves. When grown outdoors, situate them in partial shade where they’ll receive 4-6 hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun.
If cultivating indoors, place pots near an east or west-facing window. Using a sheer curtain diffuses intense midday rays. Rotate the pots regularly so all sides get evenly illuminated.
Well-draining, sandy soil amended with organic matter keeps roots happy. Aim for a pH between 6-7. Let the soil dry out some between waterings.
Watering Your Cooper’s Haworthia Properly
Haworthia cooperi stores moisture in its leaves, so err on the side of underwatering. Wait until the top inch of soil becomes completely dry before watering again. This may mean watering as infrequently as every 2-3 weeks in winter when growth slows.
In spring and summer, allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering. Always drench the soil thoroughly when you do water. Just be sure excess drains away rapidly to prevent rot.
Signs of overwatering include:
- Mushy, translucent leaves
- Leaf drop
- Foul odors
- Rotting stems and roots
Underwatered plants will have shriveled, wrinkled leaves. Adjust your watering practices if you notice either extreme.
Fertilizing for Optimal Growth
Haworthia cooperi grows slowly and has low nutritional demands. At most, apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Cease fertilizing altogether in fall and winter when plants go dormant.
If leaves develop a reddish blush or start looking weak and pale, introduce an organic nitrogen-based fertilizer to perk them up. But go easy – overfeeding causes more problems than underfeeding these plants.
Caring for Haworthia Cooperi Indoors
The compact size of Haworthia cooperi makes it an excellent choice for windowsills and dish gardens. Place it near an east or west-facing window where it will receive bright indirect sunlight. Rotate the pot periodically for even coverage.
Use a sandy, fast-draining potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark or pumice. Clay or terra cotta pots allow airflow around the roots.
Room temperatures between 65-80°F suit it best. Avoid cold drafts. Low humidity won’t bother this drought-tolerant succulent.
Propagating Your Haworthia for More Plants
Haworthia cooperi propagates readily from offsets, leaves, or stem cuttings. Here’s how:
Offsets – Gently detach small rosettes growing around the base using a sterile knife. Allow to dry 3-5 days before planting.
Leaves – Remove healthy leaves and let callous over 24 hours. Place on moist soil and new plants will emerge.
Stems – Take 3-4 inch cuttings in spring and allow to callous before planting in sandy soil.
Seeds – Sow fresh seeds in a sandy cactus mix and keep warm (70°F) and moist. Germination takes several weeks.
Common Pests and Diseases
Haworthia cooperi resists most common succulent pests. However, watch for:
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Mealybugs – Cottony insects that leave sticky residue. Wipe off with alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap.
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Spider Mites – Tiny pests that create webs and speckled damage. Apply neem oil or soapy water.
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Root Rot – Caused by overwatering. Improve drainage and allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Leaf Spot Diseases – Various fungi that create brown/black spots. Improve air circulation and use fungicides.
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Etiolation – Leggy, weak growth from insufficient sunlight. Move to a brighter location.
Tips for Encouraging Haworthia Cooperi to Bloom
Getting these succulents to flower indoors is challenging but possible. Here are a few tips:
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Situate in a sunnier location as spring arrives until it receives 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.
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Avoid overwatering which can prevent flowering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Apply a blooming cactus fertilizer in spring to provide extra phosphorus.
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Keep overnight temperatures around 55-60°F to simulate winter dormancy.
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Wait patiently! It may take several seasons to see the delicate blooms emerge.
Unique Varieties to Try
If you catch the Haworthia cooperi bug, try collecting different varieties like:
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‘Dielsiana’ – Dense blue-green rosettes with rounded leaves.
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‘Obtusa’ – Chunky blue-green leaves with bold white bands.
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‘Pilifera’ – Fuzzy white leaf tips give it a furry appearance.
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‘Truncata’ – Forms tight spiraled rosettes ideal for dish gardens.
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‘Venusta’ – Red-tipped leaves blush bright pink in ample sun.
The more you learn about properly caring for these special succulents, the more your appreciation for their otherworldly beauty will grow. With a little practice, you’ll be propagating your own Cooper’s haworthias to share with fellow plant lovers in no time!
Fertilizer
These slow-growing plants arent heavy feeders, so dont go overboard with fertilizer. They don’t need to be fed, but if you want to give them a boost, use a low-nitrogen, half-strength succulent or cactus fertilizer. Feeding a couple of times, at the start and end of the growing season, should be enough.
Water
Youre more likely to over rather than underwater this drought-tolerant species. Don’t water your Haworthia cooperi until the soil is almost completely dry. This will keep the roots from rotting. You should stick your finger into the ground to check the moisture level instead of relying on what you see or following a strict schedule. Water deeply, but remove any excess, so the plant isnt left in standing water. And remember to reduce your watering frequency during the dormant winter months.
Using room temperature rather than cold water helps to avoid stressing your plant unnecessarily. Also, make sure the rosette clumps don’t get too wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases and leaf rot.