It is a perennial succulent, with stems growing to 20 cm (8 in) in height, with a basal rosette of white-spotted fleshy leaves arranged in a spiral pattern, and racemes of tubular pinkish-white flowers in spring.

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

[3] This variable species has a large number of recognised varieties, some of which are depicted below: H. reinwardtii requires very well-drained soil and some exposure to sun.

It does not tolerate prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F), so in temperate regions it must be grown under glass with heat.

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.