Haworthia retusa aka African Emeralds
Taxonomy
Haworthia retusa is a species of flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, endemic to a small area around Riversdale in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This perennial succulent grows up to 10 cm tall and has thick triangular leaves that are translucent green. It produces small white tubular flowers in racemes that can reach up to 50 cm in height during late winter. Commonly known as Window succulent, Star cactus, or Aloe retusa, this popular plant is often found on window sills or in cactus gardens. With proper care, it can thrive for many years.
Common names
African Emeralds, Star CactusHow to care for African Emeralds
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, African Emeralds is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
African Emeralds does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your African Emeralds healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the African Emeralds prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for African Emeralds to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
African Emeralds is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
African Emeralds thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The African Emeralds is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
African Emeralds’s native range is Southern Africa.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your African Emeralds with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Haworthia Genus
Haworthia bolusii
Haworthia angustifolia Narrow Leaved Haworthia
Haworthia marumiana
Haworthia emelyae
Haworthia truncata Horse's Teeth
Haworthia pygmaea
Haworthia angustifolia baylissii Haworthia Angustifolia 'Baylissii'
Haworthia cooperi leightonii Haworthia Cooperi Var. Leightonii
Haworthia cooperi pilifera Haworthia Cooperi Var. Pilifera
