It is a succulent that grows in the shape of a rosette, generally solitary. It is a small plant, it does not exceed 6 cm in diameter. It has fleshy triangular leaves of a light green color, streaked with vertical veins. The edges of the foliage are densely covered with long whitish bristles; the translucent tips, in periods of drought, dry up and curve up to protect the plant, creating the effect of a half-alive plant, hence the name of the species (from the Latin words "semi" - "half" and "vivus" - "alive, living"). During the flowering period, it blooms with white flowers with green veins.