H. coarctata grows in large clumps in its natural habitat, with long stems packed with robust succulent leaves.

It is normally dark green but sometimes acquires a rich purple-red when in full sunlight.

It is frequently confused with Haworthiopsis reinwardtii, which occurs just to the east of its natural range.

However H. coarctata has smaller, smoother and rounder tubercles on its leaves (those of H.reinwardtii are sometimes larger, flatter and whiter).

Several are listed below: Haworthia coarctata has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.