Origin
Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Asphodelaceae, the subfamily Asphodeloideae, and the genus Haworthia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Cathedral Window Haworthia or Window Haworthia and sometimes referred to as Cushion Aloe or Window Plant because of its appearance and growth habit.
Appearance
Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner is a slow-growing, small-sized plant with fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. It has average height of 10 cm and width of 10 cm. The leaves are triangular in shape, plump, pale green, and translucent, which allows sunlight to penetrate the leaves and create a “window” effect. The upper surface of the leaves is slightly convex and smooth, while the lower surface is flat and rough. The leaf tips are usually slightly incurved towards the center, creating a spiral pattern.
The plant produces small White flowers on long, thin stems that emerge from the center of the rosette. The flowers appear during the summer and last for several weeks.
Uses
Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner is an ornamental plant that is commonly grown indoors in pots or containers. It can also be grown outdoors in rock gardens, containers or as a ground cover in areas with mild or warm climates. Its small size, unique appearance and easy care make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts, collectors, and gardeners.
The leaves of the plant are sometimes used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine to treat skin conditions such as eczema and burns.
Light Requirements
Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta Triebner prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves. In indoor settings, placing the plant near a south-facing window is ideal for proper light exposure.
Temperature Needs
This plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C). Therefore, it needs to be kept in a warm environment with controlled temperature and humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta Triebner grows well in well-draining sandy soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers a soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. You can use a combination of perlite, peat moss, and sand to create the ideal soil for the plant. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and fungal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner
Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner is a succulent plant that requires a specific set of growing conditions for optimal growth. To cultivate this plant, you need to create an environment that mimics its natural habitat. These plants grow well in a temperature range of 60-90°F, and they prefer bright, indirect light, although they can also tolerate some direct sun.
When choosing a pot for your Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta, look for one with drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting. You should also use a well-draining soil mix, and add some perlite or sand to it to improve drainage. Transplanting should only be done when the plant outgrows its container.
Watering Needs for Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner
One of the essential things to keep in mind when cultivating Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta is to avoid overwatering. These plants are susceptible to root rot if their soil is excessively wet. It is recommended only to water them when the top inch of their soil is dry. You should also use a pot with good drainage to ensure that excess water does not accumulate in the soil.
You should also avoid getting water on the plant's leaves as this can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization of Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner
The Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. You should use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.
When fertilizing, you should dilute the fertilizer and apply it to moist soil. Avoid applying it to the plant's leaves as this can cause burns.
Pruning of Haworthia cymbiformis (Haw.) Duval var. compacta Triebner
Pruning is not required for the Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta. However, if you notice any dead or dying leaves, you should remove them to prevent the spread of disease. Use a sharp, sterile cutting tool to make a clean cut close to the base of the leaf.
Also, if you want to propagate your Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta, you can remove offsets or pups that grow near the base of the plant. You should wait until the pups are about a third of the size of the mother plant and remove them with a sharp, sterile cutting tool. Let the cuttings dry for a few days before planting them in their new container.
Propagation of Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta Triebner
Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta Triebner is a popular succulent plant that can be propagated in several ways, including:
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are a common propagation method for Haworthias and can be used for var. compacta. To propagate this plant variety using leaf cuttings, simply cut off a healthy leaf from the mother plant and let it callus over for a couple of days. Then, plant the leaf in well-draining soil, and mist it occasionally to keep it from drying out. After a few weeks, the leaf should develop roots and a new plantlet.
Offset division
Offset division is another propagation method that works well for Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta. This method involves dividing healthy offsets from the mother plant and replanting them in their own pots. Be careful when removing offsets from the mother plant, as they may be fragile. It's best to wait until the offsets are well-established before transplanting them.
Seed propagation
If you want to propagate Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta from seed, you can collect the seed pods from the mother plant and let them dry out. Once the pods have dried, collect the seeds and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the pot in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, the seeds should germinate and start to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta
Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta is a hardy plant, but it can still be affected by diseases and pests. Effective management of these issues is essential to keep the plant healthy and thriving. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect your Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta and ways to manage them:
Diseases
The most common diseases that can affect Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta are fungal and bacterial infections. These infections can cause root rot, leaf spots, and stem rot. Fungal infections can be prevented by avoiding over-watering the plant and ensuring proper soil drainage. If you suspect your plant has a fungal infection, remove the affected parts immediately, and treat with a fungicide. For bacterial infections, remove the infected parts, and avoid overhead watering as the bacteria can multiply in standing water.
Pests
Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta can also be affected by various pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs can be eliminated by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Spider mites can be removed by regularly spraying the plant with water, especially the undersides of the leaves, or by applying a miticide. Scale insects can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab soaked in neem oil. It is essential to keep an eye out for pests as they can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases.
Overall, regular inspections, proper watering techniques, and quick action when issues arise are key to maintaining a healthy and thriving Haworthia cymbiformis var. compacta plant.
