As a Haworthia cooperi, my relationship with the sun is one of delicate balance. I thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight that filters through the canopy of taller plants in my native South African habitat. A spot near an east or west-facing window is perfect, where I can bask in the gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Direct, harsh midday sun, especially through a south-facing window, can be too intense. It will scorch my delicate, translucent leaves, causing them to turn a reddish-brown or white color and lose their plump, juicy appearance. If my leaves start to stretch out and become elongated, reaching for the light, that is a sign I am not receiving enough. Please adjust my position accordingly to keep me compact and happy.
My watering needs are simple but crucial. I am a succulent, designed to store water in my juicy leaves to survive periods of drought. The golden rule is to mimic the natural soak-and-dry cycle of my homeland. Please water me thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. To check, you can insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle; if it feels dry, it is time for a drink. When you water, do so deeply until water flows freely from the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot, then discard any excess water that collects in the saucer. I despise having my roots sit in water; this is the fastest way to cause them to rot, which can be fatal. In the cooler winter months, when I am semi-dormant, I require even less water, perhaps only once a month.
My root system demands a home that provides excellent drainage and aeration. A standard potting soil will hold too much moisture around my roots, leading to rot. I require a specialized fast-draining succulent or cactus mix. For an even better environment, you can create a blend by amending a standard succulent mix with additional perlite or pumice (up to 50% of the total mix) to ensure water flows through quickly. The pot you choose for me is equally important. It must have at least one drainage hole. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out more evenly from all sides, further protecting my roots from excess moisture.
I am quite comfortable in the same temperatures that you are. Average room temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C) are ideal. I can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but I am not frost-hardy at all. Please keep me away from cold drafts in the winter, such as leaky windows, and from direct blasts of hot, dry air from heating vents or radiators, which can dehydrate me. As for humidity, average household humidity is perfectly fine. I do not require the high humidity that some tropical plants crave, making me a very low-maintenance housemate.
I am not a heavy feeder. In the wild, I survive in poor, rocky soils. To support my growth during the active growing season (spring and summer), a light feeding is sufficient. You can use a balanced, diluted fertilizer formulated for succulents or cacti. Please apply it at half the recommended strength, and only do so once a month at most. It is vital that you do not fertilize me at all during the fall and winter when my growth naturally slows down. My roots are sensitive, and too much fertilizer can burn them and disrupt my natural growth cycle.
