Accepted Scientific Name: Haworthia magnifica var. acuminata cv. Grey Ghost
Haworthia cv. Grey Ghost (Haworthia magnifica var. acuminata cv. Grey Ghost) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Garden origin ( produced cultivar)
Synonyms:
Description: 'Grey Ghost' is a popular variegated cultivar of Haworthia retusaSN|975]]SN|16708]] with very attractive ghost like appearance. The pale foliage is distinctively patterned with a very stable, consistent, whitish-grey, variegation. It slowly forms offsets, becoming an attractive clump in time. Individual plants can vary a lot depending on the care they've received, especially the amount of light.
It is found on the trade under many synonyms like as: Haworthia turgidaSN|26300]]SN|16777]] f. variegata (variegated), Haworthia turgidaSN|13271]]SN|16777]] "Grey Ghost", Haworthia retusaSN|16708]]SN|16708]] 'Grey Ghost', Haworthia magnificaSN|16777]]SN|13271]] var. acuminata 'Grey Ghost' or Haworthia magnifica var. acuminata f. variegataSN|16777]]SN|26300]]. Some affirm that it may be an hybrid of Haworthia cymbiformisSN|16708]]SN|975]]. Whatever the name, the plant is beautiful, easy to grow and robust.
Inflorescence: Flowering stalk, single, unbranched, erect and wiry; raceme lax about 15 cm long.
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, tubular, white with green markings.
Haworthia cv. Grey Ghost (Haworthia magnifica var. acuminata cv. Grey Ghost) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Send a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: Haworthia are of easy cultivation and relatively low maintenance, which makes them a good houseplant, and can be an excellent subject for the beginning succulentophile (they can grow easily on window sills, verandas and in miniature succulent gardens where they are happy to share their habitat with other smaller succulent plants, or in outdoor rockeries). Haworthias are winter growers and are dormant in the hottest summer months.
Growth rate: They are relatively fast-growing plants that offsets freely to form small clusters quickly.
Soil: They are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats, but prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage. A non-acid soil is ideal. You can grow a plant in a 10-15 cm pot for years and have perfectly happy plants. For best results, use a shallow pot.
Exposition: The plant needs light shade to shade. All Haworthia forms that are green, especially included the variegated forms, will prefer filtered light.
Watering: During the hot summer months, the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. During the winter months, water only when the soil becomes completely dry. Wet soil quickly causes root and stem rot, especially during chilly winter months. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Low ambient humidity is always needed.
Fertilization: The plants are fertilized only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended strength.
Hardiness: Although the plant will survive mild frost if kept dry (hardy as low as -5° C) it should be protected from severe cold and prolonged frost conditions.
Rot: Rot is only a minor problem with Haworthia if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much. Care must be given in watering, keeping them warm and wet while growing, and cooler and dry when dormant.
Remarks: Haworthias are best planted in a shaded and airy part of the greenhouse, and not too close to the glass roof or sides of the house as the plants can overheat during hot spells.
Propagation: Haworthia are easily propagated by the removal of offshoots or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, remove a leaf and let it lie for about one month, giving the wound time to heal. Then lay the leaf on its side with the basal part buried in the soil. This leaf should root within a month or two, and small plants will form at the leaf base. They can also be grown from seed.