Synonyms:

Haworthiopsis cooperi var. obtusa
Haworthia obtusa

Habitat:

Haworthia cooperi var. obtusa is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It thrives in shaded or semi-shaded environments, typically under bushes or in the nooks of rocks, which provide a microclimate with filtered light and reduced temperature extremes. This habitat has well-drained soils, which prevent water from accumulating around the roots, crucial for the health of this succulent.

Description:

Haworthia cooperi var. obtusa is a small, perennial succulent, renowned for its striking, translucent leaf tips, which give it a unique, almost gem-like appearance. This variety forms rosettes up to 8 cm in diameter, with thick, fleshy leaves that are green to bluish-green. The leaves are rounded, smooth, and can appear almost entirely translucent, especially under strong light. This transparency is an adaptation to its shaded habitat, allowing sunlight to penetrate the leaf interior for photosynthesis. The plant’s modest size and clumping habit, where it produces offsets around the base, make it a favored choice for indoor cultivation. It rarely blooms indoors, but when it does, the flowers are small, white, and appear on thin, wiry stems well above the foliage.

Cultivation:

Cultivating Haworthia cooperi var. obtusa requires attention to mimic its natural habitat conditions. Well-draining soil is essential, ideally a succulent or cactus mix, to prevent root rot. A pot with drainage holes is necessary to allow excess water to escape. While this variety enjoys bright, indirect light, direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Therefore, placing it in an east or west-facing window or under a shade cloth is ideal. Watering should follow the “soak and dry” method, where the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. This mimics the dry periods of its native habitat and encourages healthy root growth. During the winter, reduce watering to a minimum, as the plant enters a dormancy period. Temperature preferences for Haworthia cooperi var. obtusa include warm days and cooler nights, typical of its South African origins. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C, but prolonged exposure to cold can be detrimental. During winter, it’s best to keep the plant indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from frost. Fertilization should be minimal, with a half-strength succulent fertilizer applied once in the spring and once in the summer. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, stretched growth, detracting from the plant’s compact, robust form.

Propagation:

Propagation of Haworthia cooperi var. obtusa is straightforward and can be achieved through offset division or leaf cuttings. Offsets, which the plant produces naturally, can be carefully removed and replanted once they have a sufficient root system. Ensure the offsets are dry before potting them into a suitable succulent mix to prevent rot. Leaf cuttings, though less commonly used for this variety, can also root under optimal conditions of warmth and indirect light. Patience is key, as it can take several weeks for new growth to appear.

Curiosity:

The translucency of Haworthia cooperi var. obtusa’s leaves is not just a visual marvel; it’s a survival strategy, allowing the plant to photosynthesize efficiently in low-light conditions. This characteristic has made it a subject of fascination and study, particularly in understanding how plants adapt to shaded environments. Additionally, this variety’s aesthetic appeal has made it a popular choice among succulent collectors and enthusiasts, celebrated for adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to plant collections.

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