My full name is Haworthia fasciata, but you can call me Haworthia for short. At Desk Plants, I come in two different forms, the Zebra Haworthia and the Haworthia Coarctata. I am a Hard-to-Kill plant because I can survive in artificial medium light and only need to be lightly watered about 1-2 tbsps once a month! Over-watering is the main reason they die.
History
Haworthias are native to South Africa and they thrive in drought conditions. These plants are often mistaken for aloe because of their similar shape (fun fact; they're related). Haworthias are often found in sunny or partial shade conditions where they may be without water for months at a time.
Notable Features
Haworthias are succulents and store water in their bodies which allows them to survive longer periods without fresh water. They tend to grow slowly so they won't invade your desk space. The white spots on their leaves are commonly referred to as "pearls," and give the plant its zebra-like stripes. As these plants grow, they will form “pups” or new offshoots which can be separated, put into new pots and survive on their own as new plants.. Unlike most plants in the Austin growing season, Haworthias grow in the winter and are semi-dormant during the summer.
Bringing Your New Frond Home
First, give your Haworthia a name. It's easier to remember to care for your plants when they're a part of your family. "Harry the Haworthia" is a great option, but feel free to come up with your own! Second, find a spot that gets a good amount of indirect medium light, whether that is fluorescent or natural sunlight. Look at your Desk Plants care card and set a watering reminder using your iPhone's custom reminders, Siri, Amazon Alexa or your Google Home.
Troubleshooting
If your plant is struggling, DM us on instagram @desk_plants or via email support@deskplants.com and add a photo. Otherwise, you can use the chart below to try to diagnose your issue.
What I look like when I get:
|
Not Enough |
Too Much |
|
|
Water |
Leaves curling inward and dry tips |
Soft Mushy leaves, Yellowing or brown leaves at base |
|
Light / Sun |
Leaning toward light source |
Darker red or brown color |
|
Temperature |
Not cold hardy, keep away from drafts! |
I can handle some pretty hot temperatures |
Given enough light, Haworthias will flower in the summer.
If your Haworthia has an offset that's grown large enough to live on its own, you can consider repotting it as a gift to your work friends. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the offset as close to the parent plant as possible, making sure to include any roots that may have already formed (there may be none). Let the offset chill in the pot for a few days to prevent rotting, and then move it to its own pot filled with well draining cactus soil. Water once, and wait to water again until new growth appears. Enjoy your new Haworthia!