Haworthia retusa
Also known as: Star cactus (haworthia)
A window-plant haworthia: thick triangular leaves are mostly buried, showing only translucent tips that catch light like skylights. It comes from South Africa (Riversdale area), stays around Rosette 8–10 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Haworthia
- Origin: South Africa (Riversdale area)
- Mature size: Rosette 8–10 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Haworthia
- Origin
- South Africa (Riversdale area)
- Mature size
- Rosette 8–10 cm
- Growth habit
- Star-shaped rosette of thick triangular translucent-tipped leaves
- Leaf colour
- Lime-green with windowed leaf faces
- Flower colour
- White-green tubular flowers
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Star cactus (haworthia)
About the Haworthia retusa
A window-plant haworthia: thick triangular leaves are mostly buried, showing only translucent tips that catch light like skylights. Easy and tolerant, with a neat geometric rosette.
Care and cultivation
Haworthias are the most shade-tolerant succulents on this site and do well on an east or north windowsill. Use a gritty mix, water only when fully dry, and shield them from hot afternoon sun which causes red-brown scorch. They grow mainly in spring and autumn and appreciate a drier, cooler winter rest. Light: Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light; avoid harsh afternoon sun. Water: Every 2–3 weeks; drought-tolerant, less in winter. Use a Fast-draining cactus mix with added grit.
Description
Haworthia retusa is a Haworthia succulent from South Africa (Riversdale area). A window-plant haworthia: thick triangular leaves are mostly buried, showing only translucent tips that catch light like skylights. Easy and tolerant, with a neat geometric rosette.
Identification
Look for: Lime-green with windowed leaf faces leaves in a Rosette 8–10 cm form. Also answers to Star cactus (haworthia). The genus is Haworthia, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Star window haworthia'.
Common problems
Brown tips from very dry air or sun scorch • Root rot in stagnant soil • Stretching and open rosettes in too little light •
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Haworthia retusa?
Every 2–3 weeks; drought-tolerant, less in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Haworthia retusa need?
Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light; avoid harsh afternoon sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Haworthia retusa, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.