To understand how to grow us outdoors, you must first know where we come from. We, Haworthiopsis, are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa. Our home is a place of intense, bright sunlight, but we have cleverly adapted to often grow tucked beneath rocks or shrubs, enjoying the protection of dappled shade. The soil there is gritty, rocky, and exceptionally well-draining. It rarely holds onto water for long. Most importantly, our climate features a distinct seasonal pattern with summer rainfall and a dry winter period. This cycle of wet and dry is crucial to our growth and dormancy rhythms.
Our greatest need, and our biggest vulnerability outdoors, is our roots. They simply cannot sit in wet soil. Soggy conditions will lead to a swift and fatal case of root rot. Therefore, you must replicate our native gritty soil. Do not plant us in heavy clay or standard garden soil. Instead, create a special raised bed or rockery for us. A perfect mix would be one part standard potting soil to two or three parts mineral grit like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. Planting us on a slope or mound will further encourage water to drain away from our core, keeping us safe and happy.
While we love bright conditions, the intensity of the sun varies greatly across climates. In cooler coastal climates, we can often tolerate more direct sunlight. However, in hot, arid, or inland climates with intense summer sun, we require protection. The ideal spot is one that receives morning sun but is shaded during the harshest afternoon heat. Think of the shadow of a tree or the eastern side of your house. As for temperature, we are quite tolerant of a range, but we absolutely cannot survive a hard frost. If your winter temperatures consistently dip below freezing (0°C or 32°F), you must grow us in containers that can be moved indoors for the cold season.
Water is a treat, not a constant. Your watering schedule must change with the seasons, mimicking the rains of our homeland. During our primary growth periods in spring and autumn, you can water us thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. In the heat of summer, our growth may slow, and we need less frequent water. The most critical period is winter. This is our natural dormancy. During cold weather, you must drastically reduce watering, perhaps to only a light sip once a month or even less, just to prevent our roots from desiccating completely. Always err on the side of underwatering.
Our life cycle is dictated by the seasons. In spring and fall, with their mild temperatures, we are actively growing and may even produce small offsets (pups) or a long flower spike. Summer is a time for caution, as extreme heat can cause us to go semi-dormant. Winter is our true rest period. This dormancy is not a sign of ill health; it is a vital part of our annual cycle that prepares us for a new burst of growth in the spring. Respecting this cycle by adjusting light, water, and temperature accordingly is the ultimate key to helping us thrive in your outdoor space.
