Alworthia Black Gem (Aloe Haworthia pentagona 'Alworthia Black Gem')

Alworthia Black Gem

Aloe Haworthia pentagona 'Alworthia Black Gem'

Deep charcoal rosettes glow like polished obsidian. Drought-tolerant succulent hybrid; common name: Alworthia Black Gem.

Full sun
0.5/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright full to partial sun; maintain 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily to preserve the dark charcoal foliage color; tolerate indirect light but may fade to green
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Watering Water deeply only when the entire soil volume is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, the most common health issue for this succulent
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Temperature Thrive in warm, dry conditions; tolerate mild frost down to 5°C but require protection from temperatures below 0°C to prevent leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Triangular, fleshy, dark charcoal-black with white translucent leaf tips (window-like structures)
  • Stem: Short, non-woody stem; forms dense clumps over 2–3 years
  • Flower: Slender upright racemes bearing small, tubular pale pink to creamy white blooms
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Care Guide

Watering

Water once every 10–14 days when soil is fully dry

Fertilization

Diluted succulent fertilizer once every 2 months. Use a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich diluted fertilizer; discontinue feeding in winter when growth slows

Eggshell powder top dressing:Crush fully dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface to add calcium without burning the shallow root system
Pruning
  • Gently pluck dead, dried outer leaves from the base of the rosette to maintain a tidy appearance
  • Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring for propagation; separate offsets with clean, sharp shears
  • Trim spent flower stalks at the base after blooming to conserve the plant's energy for new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-aligned: Contains aloin-like compounds from Aloe parentage; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if ingested

Humans: Contains mild irritant compounds; may cause oral irritation or nausea if ingested; skin irritation in sensitive individuals

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for indoor terrariums, desk displays, and outdoor rock gardens