Haworthia is a perennial succulent native to South Africa and part of the Asphodelaceae family. It is similar to the Aloe plant for maintenance and was previously in the Lily family.
They are often planted as houseplants, but you can grow them outdoors in USDA zones 9-11.
The most apparent differences between the variations of Haworthia are the size of the leaves and the white markings on the leaves.
Haworthia is usually easy to take care of but somewhat slow-growing.
The most common variant only grows between 3″ to 5″ inches tall and wide, but some rare types of Haworthia can grow up to 20″ tall.
Haworthia is also known by several common names, including:
- Haworthia
- Zebra cactus
- Pearl plant
- Star window plant
- Cushion aloe
Quick Facts On Haworthia
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Light: Full sun or partial shade
- Temperature: 70° to 95° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertilizer: Cactus fertilizer (spring and summer)
- Propagation: Offsets
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, fungus gnats, drooping leaves
Haworthia Care
What Does The Zebra Cactus Look Like, and How Big Does It Grow?
The Haworthia plant is a small, low-growing plant with green leaves covered with white bands.
These white bands give the plant its distinctive appearance.
The most common Haworthia plants grow only from 3″ to 5″ inches tall and wide, although some variations can grow up to 20″ inches tall.
When Does The Zebra Cactus Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Haworthia plants flower in the summer, and the blooms are small, white, and green.
They are not the most spectacular blooms of all succulents, but it’s nice regardless.
The flowers are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The lighting needs of the haworthia succulents are the same regardless of whether it’s outdoors in your garden or indoors in a pot.
The zebra cactus plant likes bright light, but be careful with direct sunlight as harsh afternoon sun can burn their leaves.
If you keep your Haworthia indoors, place the pot near a west or east-facing window for the best sun exposure.
If you live in zones 9 to 11, the haworthia plant thrives in temperatures between 70° to 95° degrees Fahrenheit, but it can only tolerate winter temperatures down to 50 degrees.
Anything lower than 50° degrees Fahrenheit can damage your plant.
If you keep your plant indoors, ensure it has good ventilation to take in CO2 for photosynthesis.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Zebra Cactus?
Like other succulents, it’s essential to let the top layer of soil dry out before watering the Haworthia plant.
To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is not waterlogged.
In the fall and winter, keep watering to a minimum so the leaves stay plump.
In addition, Haworthia plants tend to do best in an unglazed clay pot because any excess soil moisture can escape through the sides of the pot.
What Is The Best Soil For Haworthia Succulent And When Should You Transplant?
Since the Haworthia plant is a succulent, the perfect soil is a cactus potting mix. This type of potting mix allows for excellent drainage and is fast-draining.
You can also add perlite, pumice, or gravel to improve drainage.
If you want to plant Haworthia in your garden, it’s best to plant it outside in the spring.
Make sure you use a well-draining soil mix and water lightly. Also, confirm that the area will not receive harsh afternoon sun.
Because the Haworthia plant is slow-growing, you generally won’t have to repot it in a larger pot.
However, the plant will benefit from new soil every few years, even if it’s put back in the same container.
Does Haworthia Succulent Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The best thing about Haworthia plants is that they require no special maintenance other than watering and feeding.
Also, because they are slow to grow, they don’t need pruning, except for removing dead leaves.
How To Propagate Haworthia Succulents?
Propagating your Zebra cactus plant is easy if you use the baby plants, also known as offsets, growing from the parent plant.
Here are the following steps to do:
- Use a sharp pair of scissors to remove the offset as close to the main stem as possible, and ensure to include as many offset roots as possible.
- Then, dry the offsets for at least a day before planting.
- The new baby plant should be planted in the same soil type as the main plant and in a small shallow pot.
Cushion Aloe Pests And Diseases
If you have a Cushion Aloe plant, you already know how easy it is to maintain.
With a bit of water and fertilizer, the plant virtually maintains itself.
However, Cushion Aloe plants are sometimes prone to mealybugs or fungus gnats. The good thing is that both are solvable problems.
If you have mealybugs, you can physically remove them or use an insecticide spray.
Fungus gnats are most commonly caused by overwatered soil, so the remedy is to let the top layer of the soil dry out. That should rid your Cushion Aloe plant of fungus gnats.
Suggested Cushion Aloe Uses
The Cushion Aloe plant is a small decorative plant for your windowsill, porch, or balcony, or even planted outside in the right conditions.
Because the haworthia succulent plant and its other varieties have different leaves and colors, you can have many unique varieties grown right next to each other with differing colors.