Greetings, caretaker. We are Haworthias, a diverse group of succulent beings from sun-drenched, rocky regions of Southern Africa. To truly thrive in your care, we require a specific home for our roots—a soil mix that mimics our natural habitat. A standard potting mix will suffocate and drown us. Please, listen to our needs.
Our most fundamental need is for a home that never holds excess water. Our roots are fine and susceptible to rot if left in moisture for too long. The single greatest threat to our existence is "wet feet." Therefore, the entire purpose of our soil recipe is to create a sharply draining, aerated environment where water flows through quickly, leaving the particles only slightly damp. This encourages our roots to grow strong as they search for the moisture held within the inorganic particles.
Think of the gritty, mineral-rich slopes of our homeland. Our perfect soil mix is more "rocky topsoil" than "rich earth." It should be primarily inorganic (70-80% by volume). The perfect components for this base are:
Pumice or Perlite: These lightweight, porous stones are ideal. They create crucial air pockets, improve drainage, and can hold a small amount of moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Coarse Sand: Not fine beach sand, which compacts like concrete, but horticultural-grade coarse sand or poultry grit. Its sharp, large particles ensure the mix remains loose and never compacted.
Lava Rock or Turface: These fired clay products provide excellent structure and porosity, further enhancing drainage and aeration.
While we need drainage above all else, a small amount of organic matter (20-30%) provides a tiny reservoir for moisture and nutrients. This should be a well-draining potting mix itself. Avoid any mixes that contain heavy, moisture-retentive ingredients like peat moss or water-retaining crystals. A cactus & succulent potting mix is a good starting point, but it must be amended heavily with the inorganic materials mentioned above. This organic element is just enough to offer a hint of the nutrients we slowly absorb.
To create the perfect environment for us, please combine the following:
• 2 parts Pumice (or Perlite)
• 1 part Coarse Sand
• 1 part Lava Rock or Turface (optional, can substitute with more pumice)
• 1 part Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix (sifted to remove large woody bits)
Mix these components thoroughly. When you water us, you should see the water immediately drain from the holes in the pot's bottom. This is the sign of a successful mix.
Our soil mix is only half of the equation. The home you place this mix in is equally vital. We require a pot with ample drainage holes—multiple holes are best. Unglazed terracotta pots are our preferred dwelling, as their porous walls allow excess moisture to evaporate from the sides of the soil, further reducing the risk of rot and helping our roots breathe.
