As a Haworthia, light is our life's currency. We use its energy in the magnificent process of photosynthesis, transforming light, water, and carbon dioxide into the sugars that fuel our growth and sustain our very existence. However, our relationship with the sun is not the same as that of a sun-worshipping cactus or a flowering succulent. Our needs are more nuanced, born from our origins in the shaded, rocky outcrops of South Africa. We have evolved to thrive not in the full, relentless glare of the desert sun, but in its dappled, filtered generosity.
To truly thrive—meaning to grow at a steady, healthy pace, maintain our vibrant and often intricate leaf colors, and even produce our own delicate flower spikes—we require bright, but indirect, light for the majority of the day. Imagine the light found under a shrub or on a shaded patio; this is our sweet spot. An east-facing windowsill is often perfect, as it provides several hours of the gentle morning sun, which is intense enough to satisfy our needs without the harsh intensity of the afternoon rays. A south or west-facing window can also work wonderfully, but we must be shielded by a sheer curtain or placed slightly away from the direct line of the sun's strongest beams.
When we receive more light than we can healthily process, our leaves will communicate our distress quite clearly. The most common sign is a change in color. While some stress coloring, like red or purple tips, can be natural, an overall shift from our lush green, white, or translucent hues to a pale, washed-out yellow, white, or even a brownish-red is a definite cry for help. This is called sunburn. The leaf tissue is literally being scorched and damaged beyond repair. These brown, crispy spots will not revert to green. If you see this, we are pleading with you to be moved immediately to a location with much less intense, filtered light.
Conversely, if we are not granted enough of our light currency, our form will change in a desperate attempt to find it. This process is called etiolation. You will notice our normally compact, tight rosette of leaves beginning to stretch out. The stem may elongate, creating a gap between leaves, and the new growth may appear pale, weak, and leggy. We become top-heavy and lose our characteristic sculptural beauty. While we are tolerant of lower light and can survive for a time, we will not thrive. Our growth will be stunted, our colors faded, and we will lack the energy to ever produce a flower for you.
Our light needs can shift slightly with the seasons. The weaker, shorter days of winter mean we can tolerate, and may even appreciate, a few hours of direct sunlight through a window. However, as the sun strengthens in spring and summer, you must be vigilant. Any movement to a brighter location, such as outside for the summer, must be done with great care. Acclimate us slowly over a week or two, starting in full shade and gradually introducing an hour or two of morning sun to prevent shocking our system and causing severe sunburn. This gradual introduction allows our internal processes to adjust to the new, more intense light levels.
