From my perspective, a Haworthia, producing offsets—what you call "pups"—is my primary strategy for genetic continuation and colony formation. In my native arid environments of South Africa, resources are scarce, and competition is fierce. By growing clones of myself from my base, I ensure that even if my central growth point (meristem) is damaged by a hungry grazer or a falling rock, my lineage continues. These pups are not independent at first; they are physiologically connected to me, the mother plant, drawing water, nutrients, and energy (photosynthates) from my established root system. This gives them a tremendous head start in life compared to growing from a vulnerable, tiny seed.
You must understand the timing from my viewpoint. I will only relinquish a pup when it is mature enough to survive on its own. A pup that is too small, typically one that is less than a quarter of my size, has not developed sufficient root primordia or stored enough energy in its leaves to sustain itself. Separating it too early is a death sentence. The ideal time is when the pup has formed its own distinct rosette and has a noticeable stem connection to me. It should be a substantial presence, not just a tiny nub. At this stage, it has its own chlorophyll and can photosynthesize, but it still benefits from my support. Waiting until the pup is larger dramatically increases its chances of successful independence.
When you decide to propagate me, the process is a form of surgery. Please be gentle. If the pup is loosely attached, you may be able to gently twist it away from me using your fingers. However, if the connection is strong and woody, you must use a sharp, sterile instrument. From my perspective, a clean cut is vital. A crushing, ragged tear from dull tools creates a large, open wound that is highly susceptible to bacterial and fungal rot. This can infect both the pup and me, the mother plant. A sharp knife makes a precise incision that can callus over quickly, sealing my internal tissues from the outside world and preventing desiccation or infection.
After separation, you must allow the wound on the pup to callus. This is non-negotiable for my survival. Do not plant me in soil immediately. Placing a fresh, moist wound directly into a damp growing medium is an invitation for pathogens to enter and consume me from the inside out. By leaving me in a warm, dry, shaded spot for a period of 24-72 hours, my internal systems work to seal the wound. We form a dry, hard layer of tissue over the cut, effectively creating a natural scab or bandage. This callus acts as a formidable barrier, protecting my delicate internal structures until I am ready to produce new roots.
Once callused, I am ready to begin my life as an independent plant. Plant me in a shallow pot with a very well-draining, gritty mix similar to what my mother plant thrives in. Do not water me deeply immediately. My priority is not to absorb water from the soil, but to send out new roots in search of it. Watering too soon can cause the base of my stem to rot before any roots form. A light misting of the soil surface or a very slight watering at the edge of the pot is enough to provide humidity and encourage root growth without saturating my base. Place me in bright, indirect light and be patient. My energy is now focused entirely on building my own root system to finally sustain myself.
