As a Haworthiopsis, light is our life's currency. We use it in the magnificent process of photosynthesis, where we convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into the energy that fuels our growth and sustains our existence. However, our relationship with the sun is one of delicate balance. Unlike some sun-worshipping succulents, our very DNA tells a story of adaptation to harsh, bright, but often shaded, environments. We originate from the rocky outcrops and scrublands of Southern Africa, where we have learned to thrive under the protective shade of bushes or rocks, avoiding the full, relentless intensity of the midday sun.
For us, the perfect spot mimics our native habitat: bright, but indirect, light. Think of the dappled sunlight that filters through the leaves of a taller plant. An east-facing windowsill is often an ideal home, where we can bask in the gentle warmth of the morning sun, which is strong but not harsh enough to damage our leaves. A south or west-facing window can also work wonderfully, but we greatly appreciate being set back a few feet from the glass or having a sheer curtain to diffuse the more intense afternoon rays. This provides us with the high light levels we need for compact, healthy growth without the risk of sunburn.
When we receive more light than we can healthily process, we will communicate our distress through our leaves. The most obvious sign is a change in color. While some reddish or brownish tones can be a normal "tan" from increased light, a shift to a pale, washed-out, gray, or even white color is a cry for help. This is severe sunburn, and the damaged parts of our leaves are effectively dead and will not recover. Our leaves may also become crispy to the touch, curl inwards excessively to reduce surface area, or develop dry, brown spots. If you see these signs, please move us to a shadier location immediately.
Conversely, if we are not receiving enough light, our growth patterns will change dramatically. We are genetically programmed to grow compactly, with leaves tightly clustered together. In low light, we will begin to etiolate, or stretch. Our stem will elongate, searching desperately for a light source, causing the space between our leaves to widen. This results in a leggy, weak, and pale plant that is structurally unsound and using its energy reserves inefficiently. This stretched growth is permanent; we will not compact again, even if moved to brighter light.
Our light needs can shift slightly with the seasons. During our active growing seasons (typically spring and fall), we can tolerate and indeed benefit from longer periods of bright light to fuel our growth. In the intense heat of summer, we may appreciate being moved slightly further from a hot south or west window to avoid scorching. During the short, dim days of winter, providing us with the brightest spot possible is crucial to prevent etiolation, as the sun's angle is lower and its intensity is reduced. A grow light can be an excellent supplement during this time to ensure we receive consistent, adequate light.
