I have a small succulent that was given to me as a gift.

by Ed Pichette
(Worcester, MA)

The leaves are about 2 1/2 inch long - maybe 3 in. at most.

In the attached picture, the ends of the leaves appear to be red but that is not the case with the actual plant. Somehow, my camera has added the touches of red at the leaf ends.

I really enjoy this little plant and I'd like to know what it is so I take better care of it and perhaps get it to propagate.


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Ed, what you have is a Haworthia, probably either Haworthia attenuata, or Haworthia fasciata - both are very popular species, and are grown a lot in the nursery and greenhouse trade due to their ease of growth, and their forgiving of overwatering, one of the most common causes of succulent plant death.

Here's some information on Haworthia, and you might find the pages on Succulent Plant Propagation and Succulent Care useful too.

For general care, Haworthia as a group are more partial to a slightly shaded place, and are quite happy with bright but not intense light, similar to what you would get with a south facing window with a sheer curtain. If the light is too bright, the leaves of these two species tends to go orange, so that's a give away sign to move them into a slightly more shaded area. They don't mind a little more water than most succulents; many people confuse them with a similar looking plant, the Aloe, which like a hot dry situation. This can lead to a very sad plant.

Happy Growing!
Jacki