Pearl plant - 10 seeds

Haworthia pumila (a.k.a. Haworthia margaritifera) is one of the most impressive and eventually large genus species easily distinguished by its slender, pointed leaves with white tubercles, which in some cultivars may be dough-nut shaped. It is one of the larger Haworthias, but slow-growing and will take years to reach its mature dimension. 

The plants live for about 30 to 40 years if they are cultivated properly. Rosettes are more or less stemless, compact, up to 15 cm across, and 25-30 cm tall. Flowers are somewhat larger than in other species, greenish to brownish-white in colour and waxy in texture (usually Haworthia flowers are white, not in this case). 

HOW TO GROW?

Haworthia pumila are of easy cultivation and relatively low maintenance, which makes them a good houseplant, and can be excellent subjects for the beginning succulentophile (they can grow easily on window sills, verandas and in miniature succulent gardens where they are happy to share their habitat with other smaller succulent plants, or in outdoor rockeries).

They are relatively slow-growing plants that offset to form small clusters with time.

Soil: They are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats, but prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage. Non-acid soil is ideal. You can grow a plant in a 10-15 cm pot for years and have perfectly happy plants. For best results, use a shallow pot.

Light: The plant needs light shade to shade, but will take full sun part of the day (with some sun exposure, the leaf develops a nice reddish tint and remains compact).

Watering: During the hot summer months, the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. During the winter months, water only when the soil becomes completely dry. Wet soil quickly causes root and stem rot, especially during chilly winter months. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Low ambient humidity is always needed.

Fertilization: The plants are fertilized only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended strength.

Hardiness: Although the plant will survive mild frost if kept dry (hardy as low as -5° C) it should be protected from severe cold and prolonged frost conditions.