The leaves are flattened, becoming more spreading in shadier environments, an adaptation to maximise absorption of light. They are green, becoming purplish during dry periods, reducing absorption of light and slowing down photosynthesis. They are long-lived, , wither from the base. They are very fleshy, soft, becoming turgid after rain, but channelled during dry periods, an adaptation to the extreme dry habitat.

The soft textured, unarmed leaf and entire margin suggest a reduction in armament in response to the undisturbed cliff habitat, in contrast to the thorny but heavily grazed surrounding thicket vegetation. Plants within reach of herbivores, such as the rock hyrax, also known as dassies, (Procavia capensis), are grazed in habitat, as seen at Campher’s Poort.

Fig. 4. A cluster of the Haworthia zantneriana growing in habitat at Campher’s Poort, the plants have been grazed by dassies (Procavia capensis).

The inflorescence grows ascending to spreading, the white flowers attract flying insects to accomplish cross-pollination. The capsule ripens in early summer and the seeds are dispersed by wind. They are small, angular and ideal for establishment in crevices. 

Seeds ripen in early summer, coinciding with the summer rainfall, when the chances of successful establishment are highest. Germination occurs within 14–21 days.

Haworthia zantneriana suckers freely from the base, forming dense, rounded clusters. Continual sprouting from the base represents an efficient vegetative backup dispersal strategy for this harsh cliff-face environment. Detached clusters or heads will also root if they fall into a crevice.