Haworthia pygmaea aka Pygmy Haworthia

Haworthia pygmaea, or pygmy haworthia, is a small succulent perennial. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and comes from South Africa. Kew places its range in the southwestern Cape region. LLIFLE records plants around Great Brak and Mossel Bay. In the wild, it grows among grasses on quartz outcrops. It spreads slowly by making new plants at its base.

The plant has no stem above ground and forms flat clusters. These measure about 0.2–0.33 feet (0.06–0.10 metres) across, but can grow wider in cultivation. Each rosette measures about 0.1 feet (0.03 metres) across. It holds roughly 10 to 15 leaves. The glossy leaves range from dark green to olive green. Cold weather can give them a pink tint. Each narrow, oval leaf has a flattened, retuse end. Its tip forms a rounded triangle. The surface lets some light through and may feel rough. Raised bumps and four or five pale lengthwise lines can mark it. The edges are smooth, with a keel beneath each leaf.

Flower stalks rise above the low leaf clusters. They can reach about 1 foot (0.30 metres) tall. Each carries around 15 to 20 white flowers with green veins. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from January to February. Its plant record also lists interest for birds and butterflies. This does not establish which animals pollinate the flowers.

Grow this plant in light shade or bright, filtered light. Shield it from strong midday sun, which can scorch leaves. A sudden move from shade into full sun also risks burns. More light can bring out deeper pink or red tones. Use an open mix made mainly from mineral materials. Pumice and lava grit are among the materials LLIFLE suggests. Add only a small share of peat or leaf mould. Choose a deep pot for its long, thick, contractile roots.

Water during growth, then let the mix dry before watering again. Winter dormancy calls for very little water, or none. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 10–11. LLIFLE recommends frost protection and temperatures above 5°C for safe growth. It also reports survival near −5°C, but this is not its safe growing limit. Seeds and offsets provide ways to raise more plants. Leave offsets attached to build a cluster. For separate plants, detach offsets at one-third of the parent's size.