Haworthia

Origin

Haworthia is a genus in the family Xanthorrhoeaceae and belongs to the subfamily Asphodeloideae . The approximately 60 known species and over 100 varieties are native to South Africa and Namibia. The genus was named after the British botanist Adrian Hardy Haworth.

Appearance

Haworthias have different growth forms. There are low, compact as well as taller species. Their leaves, which often have so-called "pearl warts", are arranged in a rosette. The inflorescence, on which the many small, whitish to pink, tubular flowers sit, grows from the center of the rosette.

Care

Location: A bright, partially sunny location is ideal for Haworthias. Not all species like a sunny spot, but they still need light to prevent them from becoming leggy. Haworthias with translucent leaves prefer brighter locations, while Haworthias with firm, dark green leaves prefer shadier locations.
Substrate: A mixture of cactus and succulent soil and mineral components is suitable as a substrate. The substrate must be loose and permeable so that no water remains in the soil.
Watering: Haworthias, like other succulents, should be watered infrequently and only when the substrate is completely dry. Succulents tolerate waterlogging very poorly, as the roots can quickly start to rot. Therefore, it's better to water too little than too much.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, you can fertilize approximately once a month, preferably with cactus and succulent fertilizer. Succulents do not need fertilizer during their dormant period.
Summer/Winter: In summer, Haworthias can be kept outdoors in a bright to semi-shaded location. However, they should be brought back indoors if the temperature drops below 10°C. In winter, the temperature should not fall below 5°C. Fertilizing stops, and watering is minimal or nonexistent.

Popular species

Haworthia 'Spider White': This succulent is a mutation from the collection of a South African succulent collector. Its dark green leaves have white transverse stripes arranged in a star pattern. It produces tubular, white flowers. You can find a blog article about Haworthia 'Spider White' here .
Haworthia retusa: In German, it is also known as window succulent or star cactus. Its leaves have a window-like surface and are arranged in a rosette. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are white.

Note: Haworthia is generally not poisonous, however, no guarantee can be given for its compatibility with animals.