Haworthia

( hay - WORTH - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of succulent perennials includes species which need partial shade or bright indirect light and moderate to little water to perform well. They form small rosettes of fleshy, textured leaves, some with white bumps or ridges, others smooth. They produce tiny flowers from spring through fall. They are great for containers and make great houseplants. Within the genus, there are many varieties and hybrids, making it interesting for collectors, as well. Outdoors, use these succulents in xeriscapes or rock gardens.

Haworthia Species and Varietals

Haworthia is a genus of around 150 species of succulents in the plant family Asphodelaceae. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 15-17 and 20-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Haworthia arachnoidea (Papierrosie, Paper Rose, Spinnekopnes, Spider Nest, Cobweb Aloe, Cobweb Haworthia)
This species is native to the Western Cape province of South Afica. It has dark green leaves covered in translucent bristles that form a tight rosette. Individual plants reach up to 7 inches wide.

Haworthia attenuata (Haworthiopsis attenuata) (Zebra Haworthia, Zebra Plant)
This species has leaves dotted with white bumps on the interiors. It gets about six inches tall and leaves are slender and triangular. It is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Although this species was once included in Haworthia, it is now placed in a related genus, Haworthiopsis.

Haworthia cooperi (Cooper's Haworthia, Window Haworthia, Pussy Foot, Opal Succulent)
This species is native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, and forms clumps of small rosettes of tiny, fleshy, light green leaves with transparent streaks around their tips. Individual plants reach up to 2 to 5 inches tall when mature.

Haworthia cymbiformis (Cathedral Window Haworthia, Boat-Formed Haworthia, Windowed Boats, Window Boats, Window Haworthia)
Gets 3 inches tall and looks a bit like a tiny, chubby artichoke. Leaves are wedge-shaped and have light and dark green markings on them. In their native habitats, these plants will grow mostly buried by sand with only their transparent tips above the ground.

Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant, Zebra Haworthia, Zebra Cactus)
Grows to 6 inches tall and has rigid, dark green leaves. The inner surface of leaves are smooth, and the outer surfaces are banded with raised white ridges on the outside. Needs enough sun to make the outer leaves blush a reddish-orange.

Haworthia truncata (Horse's Teeth)
This species of succulent is native to South Africa, and reaches just 1 inch tall and 4 inches wide at maturity. Leaves have a nearly rectangular crossection, and are held more or less upright, forming rows of narrow dark green 'teeth'.

Caring for Haworthia

Haworthia plants are typically purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. Make sure to acclimate nursery-grown plants to outdoor areas by hardening them off over a week or so to avoid burning the foliage of newly purchased plants. Choose a space in the garden that gets between 4 and 6 hours of sun each day, with some late afternoon shade when temperatures are at their peak. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves of these plants. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (acidic to slightly alkaline). Amend soil with rocks, sand, and perlite before planting; adequate drainage is critical, as too much moisture in the root some can cause root rot. Apply a layer of gravel or pebble mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Haworthia plants are considered drought tolerant, because their fleshy leaves store water, allowing them to carry themselves through extended periods of dry weather. In wintertime when plants are dormant, lessen waterings to about once every 4-6 weeks.

Fertilizing is not necessary; these plants actually thrive in poor soils, as long as they are well-draining. If plants seem to be struggling, apply an inch of compost over the top of substrate and water it in in springtime. This feeding should be sufficient to carry the plant through the active growing and blooming seasons. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves at any time during the active growing season. Deadhead flower spikes after blooms have faded to neaten up the plant. Make sure to use clean, sharp shears when pruning to avoid damage and disease transmission. After plants mature, (which typically takes 3-4 years), they will begin producing pups, or offsets. These pups can be severed from the parent plant and replanted elsewhere to avoid overcrowding. For instructions on how to divide Haworthia plants, see the Propagation section below. Haworthia plants can last for between 5 and 25 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced if cared for properly, and grow very slowly.

Growing Haworthia in Containers
Haworthia plants can be grown directly in the ground, but are also commonly grown in containers on patios and walkways or even tabletops. Choose a container that is well-draining; Haworthia do very well in pots made of materials that allow excess water to evaporate through the container walls, like Terra Cotta; avoid glazed pottery. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix. One that is specifically designed for succulents or cacti works well. They can also be grown in sand or gravel. After planting, apply a layer of pebble or gravel as mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water Aloe plants regularly; about once a week during their active growing and flowering seasons and every 4-6 weeks during dormancy in the cool months of the year. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves at any time during the active growing season. Deadhead flower spikes after blooms have faded to neaten up the plant. After plants mature, (which typically takes 3-4 years), they will begin producing pups, or offsets. These pups can be severed from the parent plant and replanted elsewhere to avoid overcrowding.

Growing Haworthia Indoors
Ideally, indoor Haworthias should be situated in a south-facing window where they receive at least 6 hours of sun each day. Without extended periods of direct light, Aloes will begin to stretch out and lose their attractive, compact form. Adding supplemental grow light is recommended in low-light situations. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes in the bottom and fill it with a well-draining substrate. A potting mix created for succulents or cacti will do well, and Haworthias can also be grown in gravel, pebbles, or sand. After planting, apply a layer of pebble or gravel as mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves at any time during the active growing season. Deadhead flower spikes after blooms have faded to neaten up the plant. After plants mature, (which typically takes 3-4 years), they will begin producing pups, or offsets. These pups can be severed from the parent plant and replanted elsewhere to avoid overcrowding.

Propagation

The best way to propagate an Haworthia plant is through separation of pups from the parent plant, also called division. Haworthia plants can be propagated via seed, as well, though not all plants will produce viable seed. To propagate your Haworthia plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Haworthia by Division
The easiest way to propagate Haworthia is by pulling off pups and replanting them. The pups will come out of the ground easily with a hand shovel when they are young, so make sure to catch them when they are small. To propagate by offset, you'll need a clean trowel and knife and a pot filled with gritty sand or with cactus/succulent potting mix. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:

Loosen the soil around the bottom of plant where the pup has formed and locate the root that is connecting it to the parent plant. Cut the root with a sharp trowel. Take care to not cut off any of the other roots that are coming out of your pup.
Gently dig up the pup, keeping as many roots attached as possible. Then, place your pup in a shaded, dry area that receives good ventilation for a few days, until it forms a callous where it was cut from the parent plant.
Plant your pup in your pot filled with potting mix and lightly moisten the soil, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the container in an area that receives bright light and stays relatively warm.
Give the pup water every time the top inch or two of soil dry out, but don't saturate the soil. After a few weeks of this watering schedule, the pup should be ready to be planted outside in its permanent home. Then, follow the instructions in the care section to grow the pup into an adult plant.

Propagating Haworthia by Seed
After flowers have faded, seed pods will form in their place. The pods will mature, turn brown and dry, and begin to split open when seeds are ready to be released. At this time, remove the flowering stem from the plant and harvest the seeds, placing them in an airtight storage container in a cool, dark, dry place until ready to work with them. Haworthia seeds can remain viable for about a year after harvesting; it is best to use newly harvested seeds for best results.

To increase germination rates, seeds can be scarified and pre-soaked. Nick the seed coats with a sharp knife and then place the seeds in a bowl filled with lukewarm water. Leave seeds in water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat, and then sow. Gather your materials and fill your pot with gritty sand or with cactus/succulent potting mix and smooth out the top without pressing down too much. Place the seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of more gritty sand or potting mix.
Water your seeds, being careful to not disturb their placement. Keep the seeds moist but not wet as they germinate, which should happen between a few weeks and a few months. Your pot or tray should be in an area that receives bright, indirect light. It is important to attempt to grow more than a few seeds, as it is likely that not all seeds will germinate successfully. After most of the seeds have sprouted, increase ventilation and provide seedlings with good light, but not direct sun. About five weeks after germination, cut watering to about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. Do not provide water if the soil is still moist.
Your new Haworthia can be planted out into the garden once it has reached 4-6 inches tall and has a well-formed root system. Harden off plants before installing in the landscape.