All you wanted to know about Haworthias, Gasterias and Astrolobas: Haworthia comptoniana

Haworthia comptoniana, near Vaalkrans

Haworthia comptoniana G.G.Smith

comptoniana: in honour of Prof R.H. Compton

H. comptoniana is quite large lighter green species, it stays usually solitairy. It is well known and widespread species in cultivation, which is fortunate, because in nature it is very rare. Nearest relative is H. picta (H. emelyae sensu Bayer) and possibly the plants from Kammanassie Dam, which are quite robust as well. It is known only from type locality near Georgida, where it grows in quartz patches often well hidden under the stones. H. comtoniana is larger than. H picta - it can reach more than 10 cm in diameter in cultivation.

Distribution map

I´m using original name H. comptoniana, it is less confusing. In nature comptoniana is very hard to find and also not many plants are left (at the known spot). I found after a very long search a new small localised population, but it was quite healthy - many small seedlings and also mature plants were there. I´m sure there will be more plants around, just very well hidden. They grow amongst small pebbles exposed on the full sun and it is hard to see them.

It is an easy species to grow, can be propagated by seeds or by leaves propagation.