Haworthia is a big genus of little succulent plants, many of them native to South Africa. These plants are wonderful little succulents that make attractive small houseplants.
These little, low-growing plants form rosettes of fleshy green leaves that are kindly covered with white pearly warts or bands, giving them a distinctive look. Usually easy to grow, the exact same best practices that yield healthy aloe and echeveria plants will likewise produce stunning haworthia plants. These plants are typically acquired as potted specimens and are best planted in the spring or early summertime. Like numerous succulents, they are relatively slow-growing plants.
Common Name: Haworthia, zebra cactus, pearl plant, star window plant, cushion aloe
Botanical Name: Haworthia
Family: Asphodelaceae
Plant Type: Succulent, perennial
Mature Size: 3–5 in. tall and wide; some species can reach 20 in. tall
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Sandy, well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: White
Hardiness Zones: 9–11, USA
Native Area: Africa
How To Care For Haworthia
Like other succulents, these plants need bright light and adequate moisture in the summer season with relatively drier conditions in the winter season. Prevent overwatering, however don’t let them dry out entirely. Strategy to fertilize in the spring and summertime months when the plant is actively growing.
If you can keep a pot of aloe alive on a windowsill, possibilities are you can do the very same with haworthia. They can be grown in a variety of containers, but it’s finest to select a container that has appropriate drain holes.
Light
Haworthia types like brilliant light however not extremely strong direct sunshine. They can endure direct early morning sun, but extreme afternoon rays can burn their foliage. White, red, or yellow leaves normally represents too much sun.
Soil
These plants like a sandy or gravelly soil with exceptional drainage. Utilize a cactus potting mix or another really fast-draining potting soil planned for container plants. Having a mixture of soil together with perlite, aquarium gravel or pumice can help to improve soil drainage.
Water
Water whenever the leading inch of soil has dried throughout the spring and summertime, but make certain the soil is never ever waterlogged. In the fall and winter, minimize watering to simply enough to keep the leaves plump. Never ever enable water to collect in the rosette, as this can lead to rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Haworthia types like warm temperature levels between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and cool temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter season. They can be harmed when temperature levels fall to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and lower.
Fertilizer
Follow label directions to fertilize haworthia during the spring and summer growing season with a cactus fertilizer. Don’t feed throughout the fall and winter season.
Haworthia Species
The primary distinction amongst the common types is the size of the leaves and the orientation of the white markings on the leaves. In general, the best guidance is to buy the most attractive range that appeals to you based on leaf type and markings, as they all have similar cultural requirements.
H. margaritifera likewise called the pearl plant, is a clumping range with white speckles on its tentacle-like leaves.
H. fasciata has thick dark green leaves with white horizontal stripes and is sometimes called the zebra haworthia.
H. bolusii has fleshy leaves that form like a rose with no stem. With fine white hairs surrounding the edges of its leaves, this succulent is also known as spiderweb haworthia and grow best with full sun.
H. attenuata includes white wart-like pearls on both the leading and the bottom of its long, pointed green leaves.
How To Propagate Haworthia
An economical way to propagate haworthia plants is through its offsets, the small brand-new plants growing from the base of the moms and dad plant. Proliferation through offsets avoids the moms and dad plant from ending up being overcrowded. When it has actually overgrown its container and requires to be repotted, a practical time to propagate haworthia is.
When taking offsets, use a sharp knife or snips to cut as near to the parent stem as possible and consist of as lots of roots as possible. Permit the offsets to dry for about a day before repotting. Plant the offsets in a small pot utilizing the same type of potting soil that the parent plant was growing.
How To Pot And Repot Haworthia
Haworthias are small plants (typically remaining in between 3 and 5 inches high), and they are relatively slow-growing. They are frequently grown in little clusters in large shallow meals. They also can be planted individually in containers. Because it will permit excess soil moisture to leave through its walls, a little unglazed clay container is perfect. Drain holes in the container are vital for good drainage.
Either use a broader container with fresh potting mix, or split up the cluster into separate containers. Even when a larger container isn’t needed, a plant will frequently benefit from being repotted in the exact same container with fresh soil every three to 5 years.
Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Haworthia!
Haworthias are without most insects with one typical exception: mealybugs. These small, oval pests that draw the juice out of the foliage can be managed by basic physical removal or with an insecticidal spray. If the soil is kept too damp, you might have problems with fungi gnats. Treating the over-wet condition is frequently all you need to do to combat this problem.
How To Take Care Of Haworthia
If they are grown in their perfect conditions, haworthias are hardy plants. But concerns with their environment can result in a couple of common problems.
Shriveling Leaves
Shriveling leaves can be the result of underwatering. More commonly they are in fact an indication of overwatering and subsequent root rot. Soggy soil can eliminate the roots. When water does not drain pipes easily, the water continually fills soil air pores and the roots can not “breathe” or exchange gases. The roots will eventually die from an absence of oxygen
Ensure you are watering only when the soil has dried, and never leave your plant in waterlogged soil.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves on haworthia are frequently an outcome of too much sun, as are white or red leaves. Move your plant to a somewhat shadier spot– however not complete shade– and that may solve the problem.
