Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata can be used as an ornamental plant. It is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant. It grows to a height of 4 to 5 centimeters and spreads to a width of 6 to 8 centimeters. The conical succulent leaves at the top are semi-transparent, with a mosaic of milky white spots interspersed with pale green, and have fine "hairs" at the tips. The flower spikes reach a height of 35 centimeters, bearing white flowers, making it suitable for ornamental purposes.
The main characteristics of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata are as follows:
The leaves of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata are relatively slender and are difficult to grow to fullness, making it prone to elongation, comparable to the Elongata variety of Crassula Ovata.
The leaf tips of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata are between rounded and triangular, almost without angles, but still somewhat sharp. The leaf tips have prominent hairs with robust marginal hairs but lack dorsal hairs.
The leaves of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata are frosted white with streaks of green, giving the impression of brocade. The undersides of the leaves are relatively green, making it resemble brocade. Due to the green undersides, its growth rate is relatively fast.
The windows on the leaves of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata are very small, almost disappearing after elongation. The reason for the small size of the windows is the dense and elongated window markings, with many primary veins converging at the apex.
Due to its tendency to elongate easily, the ornamental value of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata is moderate, and its market price is relatively low, unlike the White Snake variety, which is also part of the white spot series.
Propagation methods include cutting and sowing.
The growth season is spring and autumn, and the plants are in a semi-dormant state during the hot summer months, requiring some shade and reduced watering.
Cultivation method for white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata:
Soil:
It prefers loose, fertile, well-drained, sandy soil with lime content and coarse particles. A commonly used planting mix is two parts leaf mold and three parts coarse sand or vermiculite, with a small amount of bone meal or other lime-containing materials added. Alternatively, a mixture of coal slag, peat, perlite, a little vermiculite, and a small amount of pumice at the bottom of the pot.
Light:
It doesn't require much sunlight but should avoid direct sunlight, as excessive exposure can cause the leaves to turn gray. However, it should not be too shaded, as insufficient light can cause loose growth and elongation of the leaves. During the growth period, it should receive sufficient light; too much shade can result in loose growth, non-compact shape, and reduced transparency of the "windows". If the light is too strong, the leaf growth will be poor, appearing light reddish-brown, and intense sunlight can even scorch the leaves, leaving unsightly marks. Plants grown in semi-shaded areas have thick, plump leaves and high transparency.
Temperature:
It is slightly cold-resistant, with watering controlled in winter to withstand temperatures around 0°C.
Watering:
During the summer dormant period, due to high temperatures, the plants will slow down or stop growing, and the bottom leaves will gradually dry up. Throughout the summer, the soil should be kept moderately dry, with occasional light watering at the edge of the pot, avoiding watering the leaf center as it can cause rot. Although the plant slows or stops growing during dormancy, it still needs water to maintain the slow or suspended growth of the roots. It is not advisable to let it dry out for extended periods, as although the plant will not die, the leaves will become shriveled, dull, and lifeless. During the entire winter, the plant can be covered with transparent plastic, with the soil kept slightly moist and a little water given monthly, which helps to maintain warmth and humidity. The daytime sunlight can raise the temperature, and the high humidity also helps. At this time, the leaves are particularly plump and attractive, with high transparency of the "windows" and obvious white brocade.
Humidity:
White Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata prefers an environment with a certain level of humidity. When the air is dry, spraying the plants and surrounding environment with water frequently can increase the humidity. During the growth season, the plant can also be covered with the upper half of a transparent colorless beverage bottle to create a small, humid environment for growth, resulting in full leaves and higher transparency of the "windows".
Repotting:
Because the roots of white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata secrete acidic substances, causing soil acidification and root aging, it should be repotted once a year in spring or autumn. If the growth is stagnant and the leaves are shriveled during the growth period, it is likely due to root damage, so repotting and root pruning should be done promptly. During repotting, the old, hollow roots should be trimmed off, and the excessively long roots should be pruned, leaving behind the robust white roots and planting them in fresh potting soil. Newly planted plants can be sprayed frequently but watered sparingly, allowing the plant to recover quickly.
Propagation:
Propagation can be done by cross-pollination or by cutting off side shoots.
What to do if white Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera cv. variegata elongates
The main reason for the elongation of succulent plants is insufficient light, with excessive watering being the secondary cause. Please note that even with excessive watering, succulents will not elongate if they receive sufficient light.
Solution:
The core solution to this problem is to increase the light for succulent plants. If light cannot be increased in the short term (such as continuous cloudy and rainy days), refrain from watering the succulents. However, when increasing light, please do so gradually to avoid sudden exposure to strong light, which may cause the succulents to burn and rot due to their weak condition. Although the elongated parts of the succulents will not revert to their original height, with sufficient light and time, their appearance will gradually improve. If you are impatient and cannot wait, you can consider cutting off the elongated parts, as mother plants will often sprout many new shoots.