Greetings, dedicated plant parent! We are the Haworthia, a diverse and resilient clan of succulents hailing from the sun-scorched landscapes of South Africa. While we appreciate your admiration, we have very specific needs to truly thrive under your care. Think of this not as a guide from a human, but as our collective instruction manual for a long and happy life in your home.
Please understand our relationship with the sun. In our native land, we often grow tucked between rocks or under the slight shade of shrubs, protected from the full, brutal intensity of the afternoon sun. A south or east-facing windowsill in the US is our perfect spot. Here, we receive plenty of bright, indirect light which fuels our growth and keeps our vibrant green colors (or striking white stripes) looking their best. Too much direct sun, especially through a hot window, will give us a sunburn, turning our leaves an unattractive reddish, brown, or white color. If we start to stretch out and become leggy, reaching for the light, it means we need a brighter spot.
Our plump, juicy leaves are designed to store water for long periods. Our biggest request is that you never let us sit in soggy soil. The "soak and dry" method is the only language our roots understand. When our soil is completely, utterly dry all the way to the bottom of the pot, give us a thorough drink. Soak the soil until water runs freely from the drainage hole. Then, crucially, empty the saucer and leave us alone until we are completely dry again. This cycle mimics the desert downpours we are evolved to handle. In winter, we drink even less, sometimes going a month or more between waterings.
Our roots are highly susceptible to rot if they are suffocated in moisture-retentive soil. Standard potting soil is a death sentence for us. We require a special blend that is gritty and fast-draining. You can create this by mixing a standard cactus & succulent mix with additional perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (aim for a 50:50 ratio). This ensures that water flows through quickly, providing hydration without waterlogging. Equally important is a pot with a drainage hole. A pot without one is like a house with a flooded basement—it’s only a matter of time before the foundation rots.
We are quite comfortable in the same temperatures you are. We thrive in average room temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). We appreciate a slight drop in temperature at night and during the winter dormancy period, but we are not cold-hardy. Please keep us away from drafty windows in the winter and ensure we are never exposed to freezing temperatures, as it will cause severe damage to our cells.
