How to Grow and Care for Haworthia

In this comprehensive guide, New York Garden will delve into the art of nurturing Haworthia plants and provide you with essential tips and tricks on how to grow and care for Haworthia. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your green journey, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to cultivate these delightful succulents successfully. Join us on this horticultural adventure as we explore the secrets behind healthy and thriving Haworthia plants.

Overview

Haworthia is a genus of small succulent plants [1] that resemble mini aloe plants with rosettes of fleshy green leaves. They are native to Southern Africa and are popular as indoor plants. Here is an overview of some basic information about Haworthia:

Common Name	Haworthia, zebra cactus, pearl plant, star window plant, cushion aloe
Botanical Name	Haworthia
Plant Type	Succulent, perennial
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Mature Size	3–5 in. tall and wide; some species can reach 20 in. tall
Soil pH	Neutral
Soil Type	Sandy, well-drained
Flower Color	White
Toxicity	Non-toxic to humans and pets

Types of Hawthoria

Haworthia [2] has more than 100 species, though it might be difficult to classify them. The size of the leaves and the direction of the white marks on the leaves are what distinguish the common species from one another. As they all have identical cultural requirements, the best advise is to purchase the most alluring kind that appeals to you based on leaf form and markings. Several well-liked species are:

H. margaritifera (pearl plant): The leaves of this clumping type have white specks on them.
H. fasciata: Also referred to as the zebra haworthia, has broad, dark-green leaves with horizontal white stripes.
H. bolus: The name "spiderweb haworthia" refers to the thin white hairs that grow along the edges of its stemless, rosette-shaped leaves. The full sun is ideal for this species.
H. attenuate: Long, pointed green leaves with white pearls on top and bottom that resemble white warts.

How to Care for Haworthia

The following are the main maintenance requirements for growing haworthia:

In the case of a hot afternoon sun, provide bright light with some shade.
When the top inch of soil becomes dry, water it. Don't overwater them, but also don't allow them entirely dry out.
Plant in neutral, sandy soil that drains well; spring or early summer planting is excellent.
Any container can be used to grow plants, but it must have enough drainage holes.
When the plant is actively growing in the spring and summer, feed it fertilizer.

Temperature and Humidity

Haworthia species prefer warm summer temperatures of 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and chilly winter temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, they can become damaged. This plant doesn't have a problem with humidity. Good ventilation is necessary, particularly at night when it absorbs carbon dioxide for photosynthesis [3].

Soil

These plants prefer well-drained soil that is sandy or gravelly. Use a cactus potting mix or another quick-draining potting soil for container plants. To increase soil drainage, mix in some perlite, aquarium gravel, or pumice [4].

Water

In the spring and summer, water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, but make sure the soil is never soggy. In the fall and winter, cut back on watering to just what's necessary to maintain the leaves lush. Never let water build up inside the rosette as this might cause decay.

Fertilizer

When fertilizing haworthia using cactus fertilizer in the spring and summer, make sure to read the label carefully. During the fall and winter, avoid feeding.

Light

The Haworthia genus prefers bright light, but not particularly intense direct sunshine. They make lovely little houseplants in pots and may be brought outside during the summer.

They frequently inhabit the small shade provided by a rock or other item in their natural habitat. They are occasionally grown outdoors and underground in areas without frost. Although they can withstand the morning heat, the intense afternoon sun can burn the leaves. Typically, leaves that are white, red, or yellow indicate too much sun. However, a plant's green hue will deteriorate if it doesn't receive enough light. Haworthias thrive indoors when placed close to an east or west-facing window.

How to Grow for Haworthia

Haworthia is a genus of succulent plants native to southern Africa. They are popular among collectors and gardeners for their attractive foliage and easy care. Haworthia can grow well in a variety of conditions, but they prefer bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Here are some tips on how to grow haworthia successfully.

Choose a pot that has drainage holes and is slightly larger than the root ball of your haworthia. You can use a ceramic, plastic, or terracotta pot, but avoid metal pots as they can heat up too much and damage the roots.
Fill the pot with a succulent or cactus mix, or make your own by combining equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil. Haworthia likes a loose and gritty soil that allows excess water to drain quickly.
Place your haworthia in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. Avoid direct sun exposure, especially in the afternoon, as it can scorch the leaves and cause them to lose their color. You can also grow haworthia under artificial lights, such as fluorescent or LED bulbs, as long as they are close enough to the plant and provide enough intensity and duration.
Water your haworthia sparingly, only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the season and the climate, you may need to water once a week or once a month. Use room temperature water and water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom of the pot. Do not let the pot sit in water or the roots may rot.
Fertilize your haworthia once or twice a year, preferably in spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, or a specially formulated succulent fertilizer. Do not overfeed your haworthia or it may become leggy and weak.
Repot your haworthia every two to three years, or when it outgrows its pot. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and shake off any excess soil. Trim any damaged or dead roots and leaves. Transfer the plant to a new pot with fresh soil and water well. Allow the plant to rest for a few days before resuming normal care.

Potting and Repotting Haworthia

Haworthias are little plants that rarely reach heights of more than 5 inches. They develop fairly slowly. They frequently grow in compact clusters and are placed in broad, shallow bowls. However, they can also be grown separately in pots. It is best to use a small unglazed clay container because its walls will let excess soil moisture out. For effective drainage, the container must have drainage holes.

As offsets are naturally produced by the parent plant, clusters will get larger over time. Every three to five years, a group will normally outgrow its container. Repot the plant in new soil if a larger container is not required. Spring through early summer is the ideal time for repotting. Alternately, divide the cluster into different containers by using a broader container and fresh potting soil.

Common Pests

The majority of pests are absent from haworthias, however mealybugs are a frequent exception. Simple physical removal or insecticidal spraying can remove these tiny, oval insects that suck the juice from the leaf. Additionally, if the soil is excessively wet, you can get fungus gnat issues. Most of the time, all you need to do to solve this issue is to fix the over-wet situation.

FAQs

1. What is causing my Haworthia leaves to turn yellow or brown?

Overwatering is a common cause of yellowing or browning leaves. Make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

2. Can I propagate Haworthia from leaves or offsets?

Yes, Haworthia can be propagated from both leaves and offsets (smaller plants that grow from the base of the main plant). Simply remove the leaf or offset and allow it to callus over for a few days before placing it on top of a well-draining soil mix.

3. Why is my Haworthia not growing?

Haworthia is a slow-growing plant, so growth may not be immediately noticeable. Ensure that your plant is receiving proper care, and be patient.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.