Greetings, dedicated caretaker. I am a Haworthia, a resilient succulent from the sun-scorched landscapes of South Africa. While we are known for being forgiving houseplants, there are certain conditions that cause us great distress. To help me thrive and display my intricate, windowed leaf patterns, please avoid these common mistakes. Listen closely, for I speak on behalf of all my kind.
My greatest struggle in your care is undoubtedly overwatering. My plump, juicy leaves are designed to store water for long periods of drought. When you water me too frequently, the soil remains perpetually damp. My roots, which are fine and delicate, cannot breathe in this environment. They begin to rot, turning soft and brown, and this rot quickly travels up into my stem and leaves. You will see me become soft, mushy, and translucent—a condition often called "succulent edema." Once this rot sets in, it is often fatal. Please, wait until my soil is completely dry throughout the pot before offering me a thorough drink. In winter, when I am dormant, I need even less water, sometimes only once a month.
I appreciate bright light, but I am not a cactus. In my native habitat, I often grow tucked between rocks or in the shade of taller shrubs, receiving dappled sunlight. Placing me on a south-facing windowsill where the harsh, midday sun beats down directly upon me will cause me great suffering. My leaves will respond by turning a reddish, brown, or white color—this is a sunburn. The chlorophyll that allows me to create food is being destroyed. While some stress coloration is normal, a bleached, crispy appearance means I am being damaged. An east or west-facing window where I receive gentle morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. If you only have a very bright spot, please filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Good air circulation is vital for my health, yet it is often overlooked. Stagnant, humid air creates a perfect breeding ground for fungal pathogens and pests like mealybugs. When the air does not move, moisture from watering evaporates slowly, increasing the risk of the root rot I described earlier. A gentle breeze helps strengthen my structure and keeps my leaves dry. Please ensure I am in a room with occasional air movement, but not in the direct path of a harsh, drying air conditioner or heater vent, which can cause its own problems.
The soil you choose for me is my home; it must drain exceptionally well. Standard potting soil, designed for moisture-loving plants, is a death sentence for me. It compacted around my roots, holding water for far too long. I require a gritty, porous mix that allows water to flow through instantly. A specialized cactus and succulent mix is a good start, but I am even happier if you amend it with extra perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This gritty environment mimics the rocky, well-draining slopes I naturally call home, allowing my roots to access water and oxygen in perfect balance.
You may not realize it, but I have a seasonal cycle. During the cooler, shorter days of winter, I enter a period of dormancy. My growth slows or stops completely. It is a crucial time for me to rest. Continuing to water and fertilize me as you do in summer is a serious error. The combination of cool temperatures and wet soil is a fast track to root rot. Please reduce watering significantly during this time and withhold fertilizer entirely. Allow me my rest in a cool spot with good light, and I will reward you with vigorous growth and perhaps even a flower spike when spring arrives.
