Most clear succulents are some variety of Haworthia cooperi. One of the most beautiful, and most popular, is Haworthia cooperi var. truncata. Its leaves are plump, round, and almost completely translucent, like large drops of water. This distinct succulent is native to South Africa, and only grows about three inches tall and wide, making it a great desk or windowsill plant. You may be able to see tiny green veins in its clear foliage. It may turn a reddish-pink color, but this usually means the plant is either getting too much sun or not enough water—in other words, it’s stressed out. If you’re really lucky, in the spring and summer it might even produce tiny white flowers. The see-through leaves actually help sunlight reach the interior of the foliage, so this is a succulent that’s more sensitive to light than most. To avoid damage, instead of placing it in bright or direct sunlight, keep this plant in low light. Because it’s happy in low light, it’s also a good houseplant for beginners. It won’t mind missing a few waterings here and there, either—and only water it when the soil is completely dry. Just take care to plant it in a container that has a drainage hole, so it doesn’t get too much water. Other varieties of Haworthia cooperi will thrive under the same conditions, but they might not be quite as see-through as the truncata variety. Some can have leaves that are more pointed than rounded, with mostly green bottoms and clear tips. These pointed varieties can grow up to five inches tall. They also look a little more like the zebra plant, another succulent in the genus Haworthia. Once they’re mature, the combination of green veins with clear leaves can make these fascinating succulents look like stained glass. After your plant is established, it’ll start producing tiny new offshoots that you can propagate and share with friends, or use to expand your own collection.
