Haworthia
A small, striped succulent that looks like a miniature aloe and, unusually for a succulent, does fine without direct sun. Pet-safe, slow, and nearly indestructible on a desk.
The zebra plant is the succulent for the desk that does not get sun. Most succulents stretch and sulk away from a bright window; haworthia grew up in the shade of rocks and shrubs and is happy in bright indirect light.
It is also safe for cats and dogs, it stays small, and it produces pups. The perfect starter succulent.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window, or a few feet from a south one. It tolerates medium light, growing more slowly. Full afternoon sun turns the leaves red or brown, which is stress, not colour.
Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, every two weeks in summer and monthly in winter. The leaves get a little soft and flat when thirsty. Water the soil, not the rosette.
Soil and potting
A gritty succulent mix in a small pot with drainage. Repot every couple of years or when the pups crowd the pot.
Feeding
A quarter-strength succulent feed every ten weeks in spring and summer, or skip it entirely.
Propagation
Pups. Offsets form around the base; when one has its own small roots, cut it away, let it dry for a day, and pot it up. Leaf cuttings are slow and unreliable.
In a hot, dry home
Easy here. Dry air and AC are fine. The only thing it does not want is a hot west window in summer; it evolved in shade and it colours up red under stress. A bright north or east sill is perfect.
Haworthia varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Zebra (fasciata / attenuata)
Dark green leaves with raised white bands.
- Miami
A compact rosette with fine white speckling.
- Savanna
A hybrid with broad, dark, textured leaves.
- Limifolia (Fairy Washboard)
Ridged, spiralling leaves like a washboard.
- Gasteria
A related genus with thick, tongue-shaped leaves (Little Warty, Durban). Same care.
Problems and fixes
Leaves turning red or brown
Likely cause: Too much direct sun
Fix: Move to indirect light. The colour fades over a few weeks.
Rosette soft and mushy at the centre
Likely cause: Water sitting in the crown, or overwatering
Fix: Water the soil only. Remove rotten leaves and let it dry fully.
Brown, dry leaf tips
Likely cause: Thirst, or very hot dry air
Fix: Water a little more consistently. Tips do not recover; new growth comes in clean.
Haworthia questions
Is haworthia safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is non-toxic and one of the safest succulents for a household with pets.
Does haworthia need direct sun?
No, and that is what makes it special among succulents. Bright indirect light is ideal; direct afternoon sun stresses it.
How often should I water haworthia?
Every two weeks in summer and about monthly in winter, when the soil is fully dry.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Snake Plant
- Light
- Low to direct sun
- Water
- Every 3 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
