Synonyms:

No synonyms are recorded.

Habitat:

This is a cultivated horticultural variety, originally selected in Japan.

Description:

The name Haworthia honors the English botanist and entomologist Adrian Hardy Haworth, who contributed to the study and classification of succulent plants in the early 19th century. “Kikuhigasa” is a Japanese term that literally means “chrysanthemum umbrella”, referring to the plant’s perfectly radial rosette shape. Its narrow, fleshy leaves evoke both the domed form of a small umbrella and the layered symmetry of a chrysanthemum bloom.

Haworthia kikuhigasa belongs to the genus Haworthia and to the family Asphodelaceae. It is a small perennial succulent that resembles a tiny terrestrial sea anemone. It features long, narrow leaves arranged in a radial pattern, light green in color and almost translucent. In bright light conditions, the foliage may take on lime tones with reddish hues, sometimes appearing to glow with a vivid green intensity. The plant may grow as a solitary rosette or gradually form clumps over time by producing lateral offsets.

It blooms in the fall, producing long, upright flower stalks that emerge from the center of the rosette. These bear small, tubular flowers, typically white or off-white, often marked with subtle darker veins.

Cultivation:

Haworthia kikuhigasa is easy to grow and generally slow-growing.

A very well-draining, airy substrate is essential to prevent water from accumulating around the roots. A mix formulated for succulents is recommended, preferably mineral-based and composed of inert materials such as pumice, perlite, lava rock, or coarse sand, combined with a small percentage of organic matter.

In spring and summer, water thoroughly, fully saturating the substrate, but only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, watering should be reduced further, keeping the substrate dry and ambient humidity low.

It requires bright but filtered light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sun in the early morning or late afternoon, while prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day should be avoided. When grown indoors, it performs well near north- or east-facing windows. It prefers temperatures between 68–86°F (20–30°C) and can tolerate slightly higher values, but it is not cold-hardy and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Fertilizing should be light and infrequent, limited to once a month during the active growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength, or a formulation specifically designed for succulents.

Repotting is generally needed only every two to three years, as the plant develops a shallow root system and grows best when slightly root-bound. Choose a container about 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) wider than the previous one, with drainage holes and a highly well-draining substrate.

It is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, making it suitable for cultivation in shared indoor environments.

Overall, it is a hardy plant and not particularly prone to pests or diseases. The most common issue is root rot, which can occur easily due to overwatering or waterlogged soil. It is advisable to monitor for common pests such as mealybugs and scale insects, which may hide between the leaves or at the base of the rosette.

If you are unsure whether the substrate is completely dry, it is best to wait a few extra days before watering. This species tolerates slight underwatering much better than excess moisture.

Propagation:

The species propagates easily by separating the basal offsets that form around the mother plant. The side shoots can be gently removed and allowed to dry for a day before being placed in a well-draining substrate.

Curiosity:

The slightly translucent leaves allow light to penetrate deeper into the tissues, improving photosynthetic efficiency even under filtered light conditions.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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