Catevala cooperi (Baker) Kuntze
Window haworthia
Catevala cooperi, synonym of Haworthia cooperi Baker, is known as the 'window haworthia' or 'crystal succulent' for the translucent tips of its leaves that allow light to pass into the interior of the plant. It is one of the most popular collector succulents in the world, available in numerous varieties and cultivars with different degrees of transparency.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Catevala |
| Growth Habit | Globose to semi-globose acaulescent rosette 5–10 cm in diameter; produces basal offsets forming dense clusters. |
| Conservation Status | Not threatened. Widely cultivated; available in numerous specialized varieties and cultivars. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Very porous mix: 40% cactus substrate + 40% perlite + 20% coarse quartz sand. Avoid peat. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Ovate to semi-globose leaves 2–5 cm, light to medium green, with a flat translucent tip (window) of grey-green to almost colorless that transmits light. Smooth surface, sometimes with faint translucent lines.
ecoWhite to cream tubular flowers with green nerves on slender scapes 20–35 cm. Sporadic flowering.
ecoPractically acaulescent; globose rosette that may remain partially buried in the substrate.
ecoRobust fleshy roots with good water reserves; anchor the plant deeply in the substrate.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very porous mix: 40% cactus substrate + 40% perlite + 20% coarse quartz sand. Avoid peat.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Remove plant in spring and separate rooted offsets.
- 2 Let cuts dry 2 days.
- 3 Plant in very porous substrate and water very lightly after 7 days.
- 1 Sow fresh seeds on moist fine mineral substrate surface.
- 2 Cover with transparent paper and keep at 20–24 °C with diffuse light.
- 3 Gradually remove cover after a month; transplant when seedlings reach 2 cm.
Place in north- or east-facing window for diffuse light all day.
Direct sun exposure that irreversibly damages or destroys translucent windows.
Every 3–4 years in spring; only when visibly root-bound.
Quarter-strength succulent fertilizer once in spring; none for the rest of the year.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.
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Plant Health
Mealybugs: regularly inspect the interior of the globose rosette; treat with isopropyl alcohol or systemic insecticide at reduced dose.
Root rot from excess moisture; fleshy roots rot quickly; first sign is softening of basal leaves.
Thrips in summer; cause silvery scraping on window surfaces; treat with contact insecticide.
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"Catevala cooperi is a synonym of Haworthia cooperi Baker. The translucent windows are specialized epidermal structures — hyaline cells without chloroplasts — that function as natural fiber optics to distribute light to the mesophyll when the plant remains partially buried in the arid Eastern Cape soil."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.