Haworthia atrofusca ‘Watermelon’ f. variegata

Haworthia atrofusca ‘Watermelon’ f. variegata

Haworthia atrofusca ‘Watermelon’ is a mutant with large, rounded leaf windows and a dense, compact rosette. The windows glow under soft light, and cool weather can flush them pink. It forms tight clusters over time. The mutation arose in tissue culture, so this plant does not exist in the wild. This is the rare variegated form.

Origin and Natural Habitat

‘Watermelon’ appeared by chance during tissue culture in cultivation. The parent, Haworthia atrofusca, is native to the Western Cape of South Africa. Botanists list the parent as Haworthia magnifica var. atrofusca.

Plant Characteristics

‘Watermelon’ keeps the shape of its parent but grows more compact and thicker. The rosette reaches about 8 cm across. The leaves are triangular, up to 4 cm long, with fine lines and small teeth along the edges. The large rounded windows at the leaf tips set it apart from the parent species.

Growth is slow. The plant offsets freely and forms small clusters. In spring and summer, mature plants send up a slender stalk, up to 40 cm tall, with small white flowers.

Care Guide

Light
Provide shade. Under 60% shade cloth, the plant keeps its form. It does not tolerate full sun. Sun bleaches and scorches the leaves.

Soil
A very gritty, free-draining mix is required. Use a mix similar to our LDP Super Drainage Mix.

Water
Water well during the cooler months and let the soil dry between waterings. Reduce watering in summer, when the plant goes dormant. Wet soil in summer rots the roots.

Pot size
The roots are long and thick. Use a deep pot. A 10 cm pot suits a young plant. As it grows, move it to a pot 5 cm wider than the outer leaves.

Temperature
Haworthia atrofusca grows best between 15°C and 25°C. It tolerates 5°C to 35°C. It is highly sensitive to frost.

Humidity
This species is sensitive to humidity. Provide plenty of airflow. High humidity moulds the flower stems.

Fertilizing
Feed with a half-strength liquid fertilizer during the growing season only. Do not fertilize in summer.

Growing Season

Haworthia atrofusca ‘Watermelon’ grows in autumn, winter and early spring. It rests in summer.

Propagation

Propagate ‘Watermelon’ only through offsets. Leaf cuttings and seed give plain Haworthia atrofusca, so they lose the mutation.

Offset propagation: Use a sharp, clean knife to cut an offset from the main stem. Keep as many roots on the offset as you can. Let the cut dry for 5 days. Plant the offset in a gritty mix and keep it in shade. Water lightly after one week. The best time to propagate is early autumn.