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Succulents come in all shapes and sizes, from tall to miniature soil-huggers, spiky or rounded foliage in an array of patterns. What they all have in common is the ability to accumulate water in their roots, stems or leaves – to enable them to sustain plant growth when they are water-deprived.
Haworthia cuspidata is no exception. It is a lime green rosette-forming plant with intriguing translucent areas on the foliage that are their windows to the outside world. Besides, it is an easy-care plant ideal for beginners. Provide some bright indirect sun to filtered, partial light at all times, including some full sun in the colder months. Ensure adequate drainage, fast-draining cactus potting soil, and ample airflow. Too much water can kill the plant. Propagate from offsets.
Continue reading to obtain more information on how to care for Haworthia cuspidata.
DISPLAY TIP: Star Window Plant is ideal for rock gardens, dish gardens and it makes a good ground cover plant.
About Haworthia cuspidata
Haworthia cuspidata plants form clusters of wedge-shaped rosettes that are arranged in a dense clump with pointed leaf tips. The leaves are very fat, fleshy, hairless, and adorned with tiny paler green veins. The skin is also covered with thin lenses that act as translucent windows and help the plant to absorb light better. These translucent areas near the tips are the reason why they need more light than other succulents.
Flowers rarely appear in regular household conditions and you’d be lucky if you get to witness that sight. The flowers are small and white with brownish markings and they appear in spring and summer. They are borne on larger flower stalks and inflorescences that are 20 cm tall.
FUN FACT: Some botanists argue that it is a hybrid species of Haworthia cymbiformis x Haworthia retusa.
Botanical name: Haworthia cuspidata haw.
Common names: Star Window Plant
Genus: Haworthia
Family: Asphodeloideae
Area of origin: South Africa
Size: Rosettes are between 8 and 13 cm tall in diameter with tall inflorescence
Flowering: Small white flowers appear in spring
Dormancy period: Summer
Hardiness: Zones 10-11
Care: Easy
Toxicity: Not poisonous to humans and animals
Companion plants: aloe, agave, and other succulent plants
Characteristics: Slow growing, hardy, pet safe, easy-care, difficult to kill, beginner-friendly, drought-tolerant, and generally pest-free
Check out some other Haworthia species:
Haworthia cuspidata care requirements
Light
Different species of succulents require different amounts of light. All, however, need a reasonable amount of it so as to enable photosynthesis to take place.
Haworthia cuspidata requires bright indirect light to partial light at all times and it is well-adapted to low light conditions. Newly repotted and young plants will need less light than established plants.
Some direct light is only advisable in the colder months when light levels are extremely low, such as during the pleasant fall.
Temperature
The optimum temperature for Haworthia cuspidata is between 10 and 24 degrees C. Nighttime and wintertime temperatures should be lower, but in any case, this genus tolerates high heat by becoming dormant in the hottest days of summer.
It is vital not to water frequently and fertilize in the dormancy period.
Protect from harsh cold and frost by bringing it indoors to overwinter.
Humidity
Like other Haworthia species, this one favors low humidity, so don’t mist and don’t use humidifiers.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix combined with coarse sand and perlite or the standard cactus potting mix, slightly acidic to neutral.
Choose a slightly deeper container with drainage holes. If your pot doesn’t have any drainage holes, drill a few yourself.
The best time to plant is in March and it will bloom in July.
Watering
Adequate drainage is an essential condition – drainage holes and fast-draining soil. This will minimize the risk of root rot.
Water thoroughly and wait until the soil has dried out all the way through the bottom of the pot and allow the excess water to drain out.
You won’t have to water frequently at the peak of the summer because that’s the period of dormancy when the growth is slower and the plant is resting. However, water a bit more frequently in the winter active season, once or twice a month.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing Haworthia cuspidata is not necessary. It would be a common mistake to fertilize it in the summer because that’s when this plant is not growing and enters the period of dormancy.
Propagation
Haworthia cuspidata offsets freely and readily and you can use offsets for propagation. Use a sharp knife and pull or cut off the offsets from the mother plant. If the roots have developed, pot them up separately. If that’s not the case, let them dry and develop some roots in partial shade for a couple of days, then pot them up.
Repotting
Repot in spring only when the plant has outgrown its original pot. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Use sterilized pots and fresh soil mix, then water thoroughly. Place the newly potted Haworthia pots in a warm site with subdued light.
Common issues
Haworthia cuspidata is rarely subject to pests and diseases. The main issue is rot caused by frequent watering and fungal diseases due to splashing the rosette. It is a very hardy plant, virtually indestructible with proper care.
Special note
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Do not fertilize during the dormant period.
Frequently asked questions
How do you care for Haworthia cuspidata?
Provide bright light to light shade, avoiding direct sunlight during the unbearable summer heat. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, less frequently during the period of dormancy. Do not feed. Do not mist. And most importantly, do not apply water frequently.
Does Haworthia need sunlight?
Haworthia succulent flowering plants usually need bright indirect to filtered sun in order to develop into healthy plants. Protect them from the harsh, direct sunlight in the summer. Bring them outside in autumn.
How often should I water my Haworthia?
The watering schedule depends on the particular species of Haworthia that you have. The most important tip is to allow the soil to dry out at least 3 cm on top. Haworthias that are not dormant in the summer like Haworthia reinwardtii should be watered once a week, while those that are dormant in the summer like Haworthia cuspidata should be watered minimally during that time and more frequently in autumn and winter.
Conclusion
Star Window Plant is lime green to greenish-grey rosette-forming succulent with a translucent lens on the surface and very fleshy leaves. It is a low-maintenance and beginner-friendly plant that will add intrigue to your windowsill displays.
When purchasing one, make sure it is in the perfect condition and inspect the leaves and roots if possible. You can buy it in a local garden shop or online and get free shipping. It is usually shipped bare-root. Purchase Haworthia cuspidata on this website and you’ll more details about plant orders and the shipping process itself.
