Haworthia cymbiformis vs cuspidata

Haworthia Cymbiformis vs Cuspidata

Haworthia Cuspidata and Cymbiformis can look quite similar but there are a few key differences. While Cymbiformis is a species endemic to Eastern Cape Province of South Africa Cuspidata is a hybrid of Cymbiformis and Haworthia Retusa.

Haworthia Cuspidata vs Cymbiformis- Colour

The colour of both Haworthia can change slightly throughout the year based on temperature, seasons, pot size or even the type of potting mix. Every now and again the colour can look quite similar in both plants.

Generally, Haworthia Cuspidata is a much darker shade of green while Haworthia Cymbiformis is bright green. Cymbiformis may even turn almost fluoro green.

When both plants are stressed by either lack of water, being rootbound or in too much sun they can go brown. We have a full article on why Haworthia may turn brown here.

The top photo is of Haworthia cuspidata variegata, bottom Haworthia cymbiformis variegata.

Haworthia Cuspidata vs Cymbiformis – Leaf Shape

Haworthia Cupsidata is the chunkier of the two with leaves visibly much thicker than those of Haworthia Cymbiformis.

Both succulents leaves are pointy with translucent areas near the tips.

Haworthia Cymbiformis tends to grow flatter leaves arranged into an open rosette while cuspidatas’ leaf arrangement is more upright.

Haworthia Cymbiformis also tends to grow ‘chequered’ leaves, with darker green veins creating a pattern.

Haworthia Cuspidata vs Cymbiformis- Size

Both Haworthia are quite similar in size. Cupsidata may grow slightly bigger and taller. Pups or offsets are quite prolific for Cymbiformis and Cuspdiata and when removed, the main mother plant will grow to approximately 15cm across.

Thanks to the upright leaf growth Cuspidata can reach 15cm in height. Cymbiformis grows quite low, though if there are a lot of pups at the bottom (as can be seen in the video), they can add to the overall height, pushing the rosette upwards.

Haworthia Cuspidata vs Cymbiformis- Hardiness

When it comes to hardiness and resilience, both succulents are equally hardy. They will cope with droughts well and do not need much maintenance at all.

Neither like too much sun and can burn or turn brown in colour if exposed to strong UV. Our nursery plants grow extremely well under 30% shade cloth, but any filtered light position or a bright spot will see them happy.

Haworthia Cuspidata vs Cymbiformis – Propagation

Pups or offsets are the best way to propagate both plants. Cymbiformis grow an incredible amount of pups every year while Cuspidata is more modest.

For pups to grow it is recommended the plants are re-potted every growing season into a larger pot.

Seed propagation is also possible but may be quite slow.

Neither are likely to grow from leaf.

Haworthia Cuspidata vs Cymbiformis – Price

The price is very affordable and quite similar for both plants, though Cuspidata tends to be slightly more expensive. The variegated versions can sell for a lot more, but they are still not too expensive.