From our perspective as Haworthia plants, our needs are specific and deeply tied to our native habitat. We originate from the rugged, sun-scorched landscapes of Southern Africa, where we have evolved to thrive in gritty, mineral-rich soils that drain with exceptional speed. The single most important concept for our human caretakers to understand is this: our roots demand breathability and absolutely abhor sitting in moisture. A soil mix that retains too much water will lead to our swift and unfortunate demise from rot. Therefore, the best soil mix is one that prioritizes rapid drainage and excellent aeration above all else.
For us, the ideal soil base is not soil at all in the traditional sense. We require a predominantly inorganic mixture. A perfect starting ratio is one part organic potting soil to two parts inorganic gritty materials. This inorganic component is non-negotiable. It creates the air pockets and drainage channels our roots desperately need. Excellent choices for this gritty base include coarse sand (horticultural, not fine beach sand), perlite, pumice, and fired clay products like Turface or Seramis. Pumice is particularly favored as it is porous, providing both drainage and minimal moisture retention without being sharp, which protects our delicate, fleshy roots.
While we need some organic matter to provide trace nutrients and a small amount of moisture retention, it must be used sparingly and wisely. A standard, peat-based potting soil is acceptable but must be amended heavily with the inorganic materials mentioned. However, we greatly prefer a well-draining succulent and cactus mix as the organic base, as it is already formulated for better drainage than standard mixes. The key is to ensure the organic matter does not clump together or become compacted, as this will create a soggy, oxygen-deprived environment that is fatal to our root systems.
A perfect home for us in a pot can be created by mixing the following components in equal parts (a 1:1:1 ratio): one part potting soil or succulent mix (the organic element), one part perlite or pumice (for aeration and drainage), and one part coarse sand or grit (for weight and additional drainage). This creates a loose, chunky mix that will hold just enough moisture for us to absorb what we need after watering before drying out completely within a few days. This cycle of a brief drink followed by a period of dryness perfectly mimics the natural conditions we are adapted to.
The best soil mix in the world is compromised if placed in an unsuitable pot. From our root's point of view, a pot must have ample drainage holes—this is non-negotiable. Terracotta or unglazed clay pots are our preferred homes. Their porous walls allow water to evaporate not just from the soil surface but from the sides of the pot itself, significantly speeding up the drying process and providing an extra layer of safety against overwatering. The pot should be just large enough to accommodate our root ball with a little room for growth; an excessively large pot will hold too much damp soil for far too long.
