What is Artisan Plants? Artisan Plants was founded in 2017 by George Theodoris (Pricklypete) and Rohit Singal.  We feature seed grown Haworthia hybrids created by George (Prickly Pete series hybrids). These hybrids have undergone recurrent rounds of selection and crossing going back to the late 1990s. They are the most colorful and unique Haworthia hybrids in the world. The majority of these hybrids are seed raised but we will occasionally offer tissue cultured plants of our best hybrids.  We are also offering seed raised Euphorbia francoisii hybrids selected for intense leaf pigmentation and unique leaf shape. These Euphorbia also have also been selected for and bred since the late 1990s. The majority of plants we sell are seed raised. We also offer rarities and variegates from Rohit. 

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How do you ship plants? Plants are shipped in pots and have recently been transplanted into soil with slow release fertilizer. They can stay in their pots for several years. We have combined shipping (one charge for multiple plant orders). For multiple checked out orders, we do have a shipping method, where on additional order user can choose that and not have to pay additional fees. Domestic US shipments are by USPS Priority Mail and overseas shipments are by USPS Express Mail. We ship plants all around the world and encourage phytosanitary certificates for overseas shipments, a service we offer. All our shipments come with tracking numbers in case packages are delayed or lost in the mail. Australia and New Zealand are a challenge because of their strict rules on plant and animal shipments due to negative environmental effects from introduced organisms. I have tried contacting plant import authorities there several times, but they have yet to return my messages.
 
I see inexpensive Haworthia at my local nursery; what makes yours so valuable? There are Haworthia varieties like cuspidata and cymbiformis that are very fast growing and easy to propagate.  These are great plants for beginners and novices. But these tend to be uniformly green and somewhat boring in aesthetic appearance. The more colorful and beautiful Haworthia are slower growing, make pups infrequently (if at all), are slower to propagate and require more care and nurturing. In general, the more highly pigmented a Haworthia is, the slower growing it is and the more care it requires. And thus the higher the cost to bring the plant to market. The seedlings we sell from our crosses are genetically unique individual siblings-no one else will have the same plant.
 
Why are more colorful Haworthia slower growing? No one knows for sure, but it’s likely that the plant may divert its energy and resources to produce the colorful pigments. And these beautiful pigments may act as sunscreen and decrease the overall rate of photosynthesis (how plants make their own food).    
 
What are windows? Windows are translucent areas on the leaf tips. They evolved independently in several plant families. They are one of the features that make haworthia unique and may be decorated with lines and spots.
 
Who is Pricklypete? George Theodoris started using his training in genetics to hybridize Haworthia around the turn of the century. His hybrids have been shipped around the world, and have been propagated and used by other growers. He had been called “Picasso with picta”. He is the breeder of the famous Hakuja hybrid propagated at the Huntington Botanical Garden.
 
Why make hybrids? In the right hands, hybridization is an art. Through careful crossbreeding, one can combine and amplify different traits. Our goal is to move Haworthia hybridization to the next level. We are proud to offer never before seen hybrid offerings to the Haworthia world, including our fantastic and very unique “Green Stripe” hybrids.
 
Your plants are so colorful, what is your secret? Proper light exposure (either from appropriate natural sunlight or from high quality grow lights) is essential to maintain the beautiful pigments of Haworthia. Although we are breeding varieties to maintain their pigments in shade, Haworthia will look better if given good quality sunlight, especially during the winter months. They should be protected from hot direct summer sun which can quickly burn them.     
 
Do Haworthia make good houseplants? How do you care for them? You can read our blogpost on growing Haworthia (https://artisanplants.com/blogs/news/haworthias-as-houseplants)