Greetings, aspiring plant caretaker. I am a Haworthia, a member of a vast and varied succulent family. From my perspective, life is about finding a comfortable balance of light, water, and a cozy home. I am not a demanding plant, but understanding my simple needs is the key to a long and happy life together. Think of this not as a set of rigid rules, but as a guide to understanding my language.
I hail from the shaded, rocky outcrops of South Africa, so I am not built for the harsh, direct sun that my cactus cousins adore. If you place me on a south-facing windowsill where the sun beats down all day, my leaves will protest by turning a stressed, reddish-brown or white, and they may even become crispy and sunburned. Instead, I thrive in bright, but indirect, light. An east-facing window where I can bask in the gentle morning sun is perfect. A west-facing window can work too, but perhaps set me back a little from the pane. If you only have a north-facing window, I might become a bit stretched and pale, reaching for more light. This is called etiolation. A simple rotation of my pot every few weeks will also keep me growing straight and symmetrical.
This is perhaps the most crucial lesson. My plump, juicy leaves are designed to store water for long periods. I am far more likely to suffer from your kindness (overwatering) than from your neglect (underwatering). The rule is simple: only water me when the soil is completely dry. Do not water on a schedule. Instead, learn to feel the soil. You can stick your finger an inch or two into the pot, or better yet, lift me up. A dry pot feels very light. When it is time, give me a thorough drink until water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot. Then, let all the excess water drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of water, as this will cause my roots to rot, a condition from which I may not recover. In winter, when I am resting, I need even less water, perhaps only once a month.
My roots need to breathe and must never stay soggy. Therefore, I require a home with excellent drainage. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal, as it is gritty and fast-draining. You can even make your own by mixing regular potting soil with plenty of perlite or pumice. As for my house, a pot with a drainage hole is non-negotiable. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and allow water to evaporate from the sides, helping the soil dry out more quickly. I am a slow grower and do not need to be repotted often—only every two to three years, or when I have clearly outgrown my current home.
I am quite comfortable in the same temperatures you are. Average room temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C) are perfect. I do not like the cold, so please keep me away from drafty windows in winter. As for food, I have very modest needs. During my active growing season (spring and summer), you can feed me once a month with a diluted, balanced fertilizer made for succulents. Do not fertilize me at all during the fall and winter when I am not growing. It is more than I need and can harm my roots.
