Haworthia retusa is an intriguing succulent plant, native to a small area surrounding Riversdale in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It's instantly recognisable by its distinct star-shaped rosettes formed by thick, lime-green leaves, each tapering to a translucent triangular tip adorned with linear markings. Each leaf is curved back, or 'retuse', hence the plant's name. This structure enables the plant to lie flush with the ground surface, blending harmoniously with its surroundings.
A characteristic feature of Haworthia retusa is its unusual 'leaf-top windows'. These shiny, transparent sections on the leaves are a beautiful adaptation to the intense sunlight of its habitat, letting the plant perform photosynthesis efficiently while being partly submerged in the ground. At maturity, the rosettes span up to 15 cm in diameter, making this a compact plant ideal for windowsills or small pots.
This Haworthia retusa variety showcases notable variations from the standard form. The leaves are more narrow and display a pronounced arching toward the ground, adding a graceful aesthetic. Moreover, there is a striking contrast between the light lime-green body of the leaf and the dark green 'window' at the end, enhancing its visual appeal and differentiating it from the typical species.
Haworthia retusa shares this intriguing 'retuse' growth form with several other species in the Haworthia genus, such as H. pygmaea, H. bayeri, and H. magnifica, among others. Though each has its unique features, they all showcase fascinating adaptations to their sun-drenched habitats, growing largely beneath the soil surface with only the tips of their leaves exposed.
This fascinating succulent produces tubular, white flowers with greenish-brown veins, borne on unbranched stalks that can reach a height of 50 cm. These blooms usually appear in the late spring to summer period, offering a subtle yet attractive contrast to the vibrant green rosettes.
In terms of cultivation, Haworthia retusa proves to be a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts worldwide. In regions with colder climates, it is typically grown under glass to protect it from freezing temperatures. For gardeners in Australia, it's best to place this plant in a location where it gets plenty of light but is shielded from intense midday sun. The plant's remarkable shape and fascinating leaf-top windows make it a unique addition to any succulent collection or rockery, imparting a touch of nature's geometric perfection.
Haworthia retusa var. plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
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Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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