Haworthia’s are a large group of succulents, popular as indoor plants and with over 60 species are a varied group of plants.
As Haworthias (Haworthia spp.) grows well in low light and with with little water they are among the best easy care house plants.
They are adaptable and will survive under a range of conditions.
This is a very attractive group of plants, they have varied foliage, from taller upright rosette forming types to rather ‘chunky’ low growing varieties. Some are variegated, others have a translucent quality to them.
As indoor or ‘houseplants’, they are grown for the foliage as well as the flowers. The flowers themselves are small, however interestingly delicate and attractive. Foliage varies greatly from species to species and the genus is well worth exploring.
How to Grow Haworthia
Cultivation is not difficult as Haworthia grow well in free draining succulent potting mix and prefer a well lit position.
- Haworthia require deep pots as the root system is larger than many succulents.
- Fill the pot to 1/3 and add a little slow release fertiliser and a pinch of lime.
- Remove the plant from the existing container, remove any dead roots, and trim any broken roots.
- Plant and backfill with free draining potting mix.
- DO NOT WATER straight after potting. It is best to wait for a week to allow any damaged roots to dry and heal.
- Top with Akadama or other topping material.
- Water in well after one week.
Watering Haworthia
- How often you water these succulents will depend on the season and the growing medium.
- In winter, watering once every 4 – 6 weeks will be adequate.
- Lift the pot and feel the weight, if it is light, the plants may need watering, if it is heavy they will not.
- You can also test the soil with your finger or a soil moisture metre.
- Always allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Light
Like some other succulents, Haworthia prefer a well lit situation, however not direct sunlight.
Top Tips
The main problems arise from overwatering, and exposure to very hot sun for prolonged periods. With to much sun the foliage will often turn to a yellow colour, if it does simply give them more shade or filtered light.
In containers use a free draining succulent potting mix. A top layer of fine Akadama, pebbles serves the purpose of making the container look more attractive, while also lifting the foliage above the potting mix.
When the plants go into dormancy in winter, its time to cut back on the watering to prevent the roots from rotting.
Where ever you grow them ensure that the drainage is good, many images of ‘novelty containers’ such as cups, bowls and even shoes are misleading, as they may not have adequate drainage.
Most species are small plants often reaching only 10cm or less in height, grown mainly in containers as specimens they are suited to the rock garden if you have the right climate, which really means a dry arid type. One of the main issues with growing these plants in the ground outdoors is that they are very small and unless you are careful they can easily become overgrown.
Varieties
With over 80 species and many cultivars, Haworthia do provide variety, look for :
- H. fasciata also known as the Zebra plant, mid to deep green foliage with white markings.
- H. truncata, a low growing variety with yellow flowers.
- H. koelmaniorum deep rust red foliage.
- H. comptoniana
- H. limifolia ‘Fairies Washboard’.
- H. attenuata – The Zebra Plant
Propagation
Propagation is from seed or by separating the offsets that these plants readily produce.
When dividing offsets use small containers as they seem to respond better to a confined root space. These are not a plant to grow outdoors in areas where they will be subject to cold wet winters and frosts.
Fertilizer
If you repot every 2-3 years you will need little to no fertilizer at all. Over fertilization is another way to kill these tiny treasures.
Haworthia are available for sale from the following nurseries
Specialist succulent grower with a large range of Echeveria and other succulent genera, including rare and unusual varieties for the collector.
Online Retail Sales www.succulents-australia-sales.com
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
"Indoor potted house plants & plant gifts delivered throughout Melbourne.
Delivering quality indoor plants with convenience every time. Easy online plant purchasing, gift wrapping and delivery Melbourne."
www.garnerstore.com.au
