Haworthia cooperi var. venusta is a perennial succulent plant from the Asphodelaceae family, native to southern Africa. Its name comes from the transparent "window" at the top of its leaves, which is covered in tiny cilia or fine hairs, a distinctive feature of this variety.
Haworthia cooperi var. venusta is a classic variety in the Haworthia series. The transparent, hairy window at the leaf tips is its most recognizable characteristic. The plant grows relatively quickly in semi-shaded environments and thrives in well-aerated and loose soil. Its active growing seasons are spring and autumn, while it enters a semi-dormant state during summer and winter. During the growth period, the soil should be kept slightly moist, but in summer and winter, the soil should remain on the dry side.
Typically, a 7x7x7 cm pot is sufficient for a single Haworthia cooperi var. venusta plant. The growing medium used is a mix of peat and perlite, with a little vermiculite and a small amount of cinder. The surface is covered with mechanically crushed gravel (building sand), and a layer of clay pellets is placed at the bottom of the pot. April is a key growth period, during which the plant appears vibrant green. The soil should remain moist because Haworthia cooperi var. venusta thrives in high humidity—but this humidity must only be maintained when the roots are fully established. If the roots are not well-developed and the soil stays too wet, root rot can occur.
From June to September, due to high temperatures, Haworthia cooperi var. venusta either grows very slowly or stops growing altogether, so there are no significant visible changes during this period. During summer, the soil should be kept moderately dry, with occasional watering or misting once a month to provide just enough moisture to support the plant during this slow growth phase. It is important not to force dormancy due to the heat, as waking the plant from dormancy can take a long time, and the leaves may lose water and nutrients during this period, causing them to shrivel or dry out. In summer, the leaves may take on a slight reddish hue due to the heat, and more sunlight will make the leaves even more stunning. Each season brings its own unique beauty to Haworthia cooperi var. venusta.
During the cold winter months, Haworthia cooperi var. venusta grows slowly. It is kept in a glass terrarium during winter, and the soil is kept dry, with only minimal watering—just a small amount of water once a month. In Huangshan, where winters are very cold, a plastic film is placed over the glass terrarium to help trap warmth. Daytime sunlight raises the temperature slightly inside the glass container, increasing humidity, which allows Haworthia cooperi var. venusta to grow slowly. The leaves become plump during this time, as the plant continues its growth at a slow pace.