Why people love it
Cushion aloe is a plump little haworthia that fits on any windowsill. Its thick leaves bend back sharply near the tip, and each flat tip has a clear, see-through patch called a window. In the wild, the plant sits low in the ground and lets light in through these windows. On a windowsill, they glow when the sun shines through.
Care in a nutshell
- Bright, gentle light. Near a bright window, out of harsh afternoon sun.
- Soak, then wait. Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely.
- Pot up the pups. It slowly makes offsets around the base that you can separate when you repot.
Not an aloe vera
The old name, Aloe retusa, still shows up on plant labels and lists. It’s a haworthia, not an aloe. That matters for pets: the ASPCA lists cushion aloe as non-toxic but aloe vera as toxic. Check the label before you buy if you have cats or dogs.
Watch out for
- Soft, mushy leaves mean too much water. Let the soil dry out more between drinks.
- Red-brown leaves mean too much sun. Move it a little further from the window.
Fun fact: The windows work like skylights. Light passes through the clear tip and into the green, food-making tissue inside the leaf.
