Understanding our winter needs as Haworthia plants is crucial for our survival and long-term health. Our care during this dormant period is fundamentally different from the growing season. Here is a detailed guide from our perspective.
First, you must recognize that we are not actively growing. As winter approaches, with shorter days and cooler temperatures, our metabolic processes slow down significantly. We are not producing new roots or leaves at our usual pace. This is a natural survival strategy to conserve energy when light levels are suboptimal. Because we are essentially "asleep," our water requirements drop to a bare minimum. Our succulent leaves are already designed to store water for long periods, making us exceptionally well-adapted to drought, especially during this rest phase.
The most critical adjustment you must make is watering far less frequently. While you might water us every 7-10 days in the summer, in winter we may only need water once every 4 to 6 weeks, or even longer. The goal is to prevent our roots from completely desiccating and dying back, not to promote growth. The key is to always check the soil condition before even considering watering. Do not water on a fixed schedule.
The method of watering remains the same (a thorough soak), but the timing between waterings is extended dramatically. Only water when the soil is completely dry throughout the pot. You can check this with a moisture meter or a wooden skewer. Furthermore, wait an additional 7-10 days after the soil has become bone dry before watering. This extended dry period ensures our roots are safe from the constant moisture that leads to rot in cool, low-light conditions.
Our water needs are directly tied to temperature and light. We prefer a cool winter rest, ideally between 50-60°F (10-15°C). In these cooler temperatures, soil takes much longer to dry out. If we are kept in a warmer room, our soil will dry faster, but our growth will still be stalled due to reduced light, creating a risky environment. Always prioritize bright, indirect light even in winter. A south-facing window is ideal. Without sufficient light, any water we absorb cannot be used for photosynthesis and will simply sit in our tissues, increasing the risk of rot.
Learn to read our signals. Signs of overwatering include leaves that become soft, mushy, and translucent, often starting at the base. The plant may feel unstable. This is a serious emergency. Conversely, signs of extreme thirst are more forgiving. Our leaves will begin to pucker, thin, and wrinkle slightly. While we don't want to be chronically dehydrated, it is far safer for us to be slightly underwatered than overwatered. Wrinkled leaves can be plumped up with a good drink; rotten roots often cannot be saved.
