Tulista pumila / Haworthia pumila (4inch) #587

About Tulista pumila

Tulista pumila, still widely sold under its former name Haworthia pumila and commonly called Pearl Plant or Pearly Dots, is a small, slow-growing rosette succulent prized for its textured, jewel-like foliage. It is native to the Western Cape of South Africa and belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. The plant forms a tight rosette of thick, upright, triangular leaves in shades of olive-green to dark brownish-green, and the leaf surfaces are densely covered with raised, porcelain-white tubercles that give the plant its “pearly” appearance. The specific epithet pumila means “dwarf,” though ironically this is the largest species within the genus Tulista. A mature rosette typically reaches about 2 to 8 inches in height and 2 to 6 inches in width, making it an excellent choice for small pots, windowsills, and dish gardens. In summer, mature plants may send up slender stalks bearing small, waxy, brownish-white tubular flowers, though the plant is grown primarily for its striking leaves rather than its blooms.

How to care for Tulista pumila

Sun and Location: Provide bright light with some direct sun, but protect from the most intense midday and afternoon sun. This plant tolerates full sun in many settings, but partial shade or filtered light is often safer, especially behind glass where heat can build up quickly. A north- or east-facing aspect, or a bright indoor spot with a few hours of gentle morning sun, works well. Strong light helps maintain the compact rosette form and the dense white tubercles, while insufficient light can cause stretched, pale growth.

Soil and Pot: Use a very gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. The plant is prone to rot in heavy, moisture-retentive soil, so excellent drainage is essential. Choose a pot with drainage holes and never allow it to sit in standing water. A shallow to standard pot is suitable, as the root system is compact.

Watering: Allow the growing medium to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let excess drain away. This species is drought-tolerant and can go several weeks without water. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure, particularly in winter when growth slows. Reduce watering significantly in the cooler months, keeping the mix on the dry side. When in doubt, wait longer rather than watering sooner.

Propagating: Propagate by offsets (pups) when they appear, or by seed. This species offsets sparingly compared to many Haworthia relatives, so seed is often the more practical route for larger quantities, though fresh seed is important for good germination. Offsets, when available, can be separated during repotting, allowed to callous briefly, and potted into fresh gritty mix.

More Information

Primary color: Olive-green to dark brownish-green
Secondary color: Raised white tubercles covering the leaf surfaces
Bloom color: Brownish-white, waxy, tubular flowers on slender stalks in summer
Cold hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 10a to 11b; tolerates temperatures down to about 30°F (-1°C) for short periods, but protect from prolonged cold and keep container plants above 50°F (10°C) when possible to avoid cold stress
Product format: 2 inch pot
Suitability: Windowsill, small containers, desk, rock garden in mild climates, indoor succulent collection, dish garden, low-maintenance plant
Propagation: Offsets and seed
Growth rate: Slow
Special characteristics: Porcelain-white tubercles, compact rosette, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, tolerates partial shade, generally disease-free but susceptible to mealybugs
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it a pet-safe succulent choice. As with any plant, keep an eye on curious pets to prevent playful chewing, but there is no known toxicity risk.

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!