How to grow and care for haworthia
How to grow and care for haworthias, in our Grow Guide.
Haworthias are succulent plants native to southern parts of Africa, where they grow in dry, desert-like conditions. Most make low-maintenance house plants, as they don't need frequent watering. There are more than 60 species, with an exciting range of leaf shapes and patterns, from Haworthia cooperi with its translucent leaf tips to the white-striped Haworthia fasciata, also known as the zebra cactus.
Haworthias are small and slow growing, with varieties on average reaching between 4cm and 25cm in height. Their lifespan varies depending on growing conditions; in the wild haworthias can live for 50 years but this isn't likely when kept indoors. Haworthias are easy to look after – the main thing is to avoid overwatering. They will thrive on an east- or west-facing window in bright light in temperatures that don’t drop below 10ºC. With the right conditions, many haworthias produce flowers in summer, on a long stem.
Haworthia is not toxic to humans or animals.
How to grow haworthias
Grow haworthias on an east- or west-facing windowsill in bright light. Avoid direct sunlight as this may scorch the leaves, and water only when the compost has dried out.
Where to grow haworthias
Haworthias do best in a warm room but can grow well in temperatures of 10-25ºC. Keep them out of direct sunlight and draughts. They make ideal plants for a sunny living room or conservatory.
How to care for haworthias
Haworthia plants do not need watering very often. Let the compost dry out completely and then water well, allowing the pot to drain. Then let it dry out again before watering, avoiding the leaves. If water collects between the leaves it can lead to rot. Feed every three months with a cactus fertiliser. Most succulents do best when pot bound, so repot only once your plant has filled its pot. This could be from two to five years, depending on the size of your haworthia.
How to prune haworthias
Remove any yellowing or dead leaves, using clean tools to avoid infection.
How to propagate haworthia
Haworthias are clump-forming plants that produce offsets, also known as ‘pups’. These baby plants can be split off when they reach about a third of the size of the parent plant.
How to remove a pup:
1. Cut or pull away the offset – it should come away fairly easily
2. Leave the offsets in a tray overnight to let the cut end dry out and harden over
3. Place in a pot of moist compost to encourage fast root growth
Pests and diseases
The pest you're most likely to find on succulents is mealybugs. These are white, waxy insects that you’ll find in the crevices of the stems and leaves. Wipe the leaves using a damp, soapy cloth and then rinse this soapy liquid off.
The other thing to look out for is root rot. This is caused by overwatering, which means the compost around the roots is too wet, leading to the onset of rotting.
Advice on buying haworthia
- There are many haworthia types to choose from so it's worth having a look at all different species on offer before buying
- Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before buying or when your plant arrives
Where to buy haworthia
Haworthia species to grow
Haworthia cooperi – a low-growing variety with pale-green leaves around 5cm long, and white to pink flowers during the growing season. The ends of the leaves are translucent.
Height x Spread: 10cm x 10cm
Haworthia fasciata – a popular type of haworthia, also known as the zebra plant because the dark green leaves have white stripes. This rosette-forming succulent has white, tubular flowers.
H x S: 10cm x 40cm
Haworthia cymbiformis – this has pale green leaves with dark stripes. 'Cymbiformis' means having the form of a boat, as the leaves are boat-shaped and curve upwards.
H x S: 8cm x 10cm
Haworthia limifolia – this variety has ridged, dark green leaves and is also known as the fairy washboard because of its unusual bumps. The bumps are green rather than white.
H x S: 20cm x 15cm
Haworthia truncata – this unusual succulent has rectangular, grey-green leaves arranged in rows. These look like they've been cut (truncated) hence its name.
H x S: 35cm x 35cm
Haworthia pumila – one of the largest types of haworthia, reaching 25cm tall when mature. Its long, pointy leaves have raised white spots on them.
H x S: 25cm x 15cm
Haworthia tessellata – also known as veined haworthia, is a small species with triangular brown-to-green leaves, which have a roughly square pattern on them.
H x S: 15cm x 10cm
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
