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.
The haworthia cooperi is a charming little succulent that makes a fantastic addition to any indoor plant collection With its compact size, unique translucent foliage, and easy care requirements, it’s no wonder these succulents are so popular among houseplant enthusiasts. Learning the basics of caring for an haworthia cooperi will ensure your plant thrives for years to come.
An Overview of Haworthia Cooperi
Native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, haworthia cooperi is a small, stemless succulent that grows in rosettes, with each rosette reaching about 3-5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. The leaves are a lovely blue-green color and have a unique translucent pattern, almost looking like little pieces of frosted glass. Some varieties have completely transparent leaf tips while others have just streaks of translucency.
This succulent is known for its slow, compact growth and its ability to thrive even when neglected. Mature plants will occasionally send up a tall, thin stem covered in dainty white or pink flowers, but blooms are not very common when grown indoors. With the proper care, an haworthia cooperi can live for many years in a pot.
Caring for Your Haworthia Cooperi
Caring for an haworthia cooperi is fairly straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Light
Haworthia cooperi prefer bright light but need protection from direct sun, which can scorch their leaves. Place your plant near an east or west-facing window where it will get several hours of gentle morning or evening light. You can also place it near a lightly shaded south-facing window. If you don’t get much natural light, use a grow light to supplement. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get even light exposure. Signs your plant needs more light include leaves losing their compact shape and taking on a paler green color.
Water
Take care not to overwater your haworthia cooperi, as it is prone to rot if the soil stays too wet Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot This allows the roots to get fully hydrated before the soil dries out again. Cut back on watering in winter when growth slows. The fleshy leaves will start to wrinkle or shrivel if underwatered.
Soil
A fast-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal, as these plants dislike wet feet. You can also make your own mix using equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand or pumice. Good drainage is key to preventing rot. Add gravel, pebbles, or other materials to improve drainage if needed.
Temperature & Humidity
Haworthia cooperi thrive in average home temperatures between 60-80°F and do best with 40-50% humidity. Avoid cold drafts. As with all succulents take care in acclimating an haworthia cooperi if moving it to a spot with more sun to prevent temperature shock.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength once or twice during the active growing season. Haworthia cooperi are light feeders and can suffer root burn if over-fertilized. Flush the soil with clean water every few months to prevent salt buildup.
General Care
Beyond the basics, there are a few other care tips to ensure your haworthia cooperi stays healthy:
-
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. The leaves will start to wrinkle when thirsty.
-
Remove dead leaves and spent flower stems to keep the plant looking tidy. Trim any damaged leaves.
-
Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil, or whenever the plant becomes rootbound.
-
Keep your haworthia cooperi potted in a shallow container to match its small root system.
-
Avoid getting water in the rosette or on the leaves to prevent rot.
-
Propagate by gently removing offsets and allowing them to callus before replanting.
Troubleshooting Common Haworthia Cooperi Problems
Haworthia cooperi are fairly tolerant plants, but issues can arise if certain care guidelines aren’t followed.
-
Wrinkled, shriveled leaves – This is a sign of underwatering. Give the plant a thorough soak and allow more time between waterings.
-
Soft, mushy leaves – This indicates overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Cut back on frequency.
-
Pale, stretching leaves – The plant is not getting enough sunlight. Move it to a spot with brighter (but still indirect) light.
-
Brown crispy leaf tips – The plant is getting too much direct sun. Filter the light or move to a shadier spot.
-
Mealybugs – Isolate and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
-
Root rot – Overwatering can cause roots to rot. Allow soil to dry out and water less frequently. Discard severely affected plants.
Enjoying Your Haworthia Cooperi
With their uniquely frosted green foliage and compact size, haworthia cooperi offer gardeners an easy to care for succulent that thrives as a windowsill or desk plant. Just be sure to provide this charming little succulent with the proper mix of sun, soil, and water to keep it looking its best for years of enjoyment. Your diligent care will be rewarded with a long-living and lovely houseplant specimen.
Temperature and Humidity
Succulents are associated with warm temperatures, and the Haworthia cooperi is no exception. These plants prefer temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time, though, which is better than some succulent species.
These plants dont love excessive moisture, making them a good fit for average home humidity levels. Its important to keep your Haworthia cooperi in a well-ventilated space. Its not a plant that enjoys crowding with other plants in your collection.
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.
BEST TIPS: HOW TO CARE FOR HAWORTHIA COOPERI
FAQ
How often do you water Haworthia Cooperi?
Is Haworthia Cooperi rare?
Do you water Haworthia from the top or bottom?
How do you care for indoor Haworthia?
How do you care for Haworthia cooperi?
Position the offsets in a warm spot where they will receive bright but indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist. You’ll need to wait at least a fortnight for the offset to take root. At this point, you can follow the standard Haworthia cooperi care instructions.
Do Haworthia cooperi flower?
Instead, Haworthia Cooperi flower at the height of their growing season if given plenty of sunlight. These adorable succulents have adorable flowers too, which range in color from white to a pink-white or light green. To encourage blooming in your Haworthia Cooperi, slowly begin transferring it to full, indirect sunlight during its growing season.
How do you grow Haworthia cooperi?
The transparent plant grows in temperatures between 68°F and 90°F (20°C – 32°C). Fertilize twice a year in fall and spring. At first glance, the Haworthia cooperi doesn’t seem real at all. This rare succulent has unusual soft and fleshy translucent leaves, and you can see through them at the tips.
Does Haworthia cooperi need a lot of light?
When it comes to lighting, Haworthia cooperi will show the best performance under lots of bright light all year round. If your succulent begins to show some yellow, white, or red-tinged leaves, this may be an indicator that it receives too much sunlight.
What is Haworthia cooperi used for?
Haworthia cooperi is primarily used as an ornamental plant. Its unique, translucent leaves make it a popular choice for indoor gardens, terrariums, and as a desk plant. It’s also appreciated by succulent collectors for its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. How Often Do You Water Haworthia Cooperi?
Can Haworthia cooperi grow indoors?
Take the succulents indoors when the temperatures start dropping below 50°F (10°C). Like most succulents, temperature extremes can affect the growth of the Haworthia cooperi. Growing as a houseplant, keep the “cushion aloes” away from cold drafts in the summer, such as the air-conditioning airflow. In winter, don’t place near hot radiators.