“Harry Pickle” is the common name for Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera, a popular succulent plant. This succulent is characterized by its plump, translucent, and often pickle-shaped leaves. These distinctive leaves are arranged in a rosette formation. Its compact size and ease of care contribute to its widespread appeal.
Caring for Harry Pickle
Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat where it often grows partially shaded. Placing it near an east-facing window or in a location with filtered sunlight is ideal. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing them to turn yellow or reddish.
Proper watering is key for this plant. Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera is drought-tolerant and stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it sensitive to overwatering. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess.
A well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix prevents water retention and ensures proper drainage. This soil type allows for good aeration around the roots, helping prevent root rot. Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera thrives in average room temperatures, generally 65-80°F (18-27°C), and prefers low humidity, consistent with its arid origins.
Propagating Harry Pickle
Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera is commonly propagated through offset division. The mother plant naturally produces small plantlets, known as pups or offsets, at its base. These can be carefully separated from the parent plant using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
Once separated, allow the cut end of the offset to callous over for a day or two in a dry, shaded area before planting it in a well-draining succulent potting mix. While leaf cuttings are possible for some Haworthia species, they are generally less reliable and slower for Haworthia cooperi due to its delicate leaf structure.
Addressing Common Issues
Overwatering is a frequent issue for Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera, leading to symptoms such as mushy, yellowing, or translucent leaves, and ultimately root rot. If overwatering is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, inspect the roots for rot (dark, soft, or mushy areas), and allow the soil and roots to dry before repotting in fresh, dry succulent mix.
Conversely, underwatering can cause the leaves to appear shriveled, deflated, or wrinkled. If the plant is underwatered, a thorough watering can rehydrate it, often by submerging the pot in water for 5-10 minutes to ensure the soil is fully moistened.
Insufficient light can cause the plant to exhibit leggy growth or lose its compact rosette shape as it stretches towards a light source. Moving it to a brighter location with indirect light can restore its typical growth habit and prevent further etiolation.