Haworthia cooperi /həˈwɜː(ɹ)θi.ə/
Common name: Cooper's haworthia · Window haworthia · Pussy-foot
Haworthia cooperi is a small, clustering succulent in the family Asphodelaceae, native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Its rosettes are made of soft, fleshy, pale green leaves with translucent tips called "windows," which let light reach deeper into the leaf. Prized by collectors for its jewel-like appearance, it is a popular and easy houseplant that slowly forms clumps of many rosettes.
Care summary
Sun
Bright indirect light; avoid harsh direct sun
Water
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Soil
Very gritty, well-draining succulent mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–11
Mature height
About 5–8 cm (0.2–0.3 ft)
Pet safe
Yes; considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Propagate by offsets, which the plant produces freely around the base. Gently separate a pup with some roots attached and pot it into gritty succulent mix, watering lightly after a few days. Leaf cuttings also work: twist off a healthy leaf, let it callus for a few days, then lay it on dry gritty soil until roots form.
Fun facts
- The see-through leaf tips act like skylights, channeling light to photosynthetic tissue inside the leaf.
- In the wild it often grows almost fully buried in soil, with only the transparent leaf tips exposed.
- Strong sun or drought makes the leaves flush pinkish-red — a stress blush many growers find attractive.
- The species is named after Thomas Cooper, a 19th-century English botanist and plant collector in South Africa.