Haworthias are small rosette succulents. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension says single plants are typically 1 to 3 inches across, several fit in a 4 to 5 inch pot, and the genus has about 60 named species. They are mostly pest-free, but root rot from wet soil is the most significant problem.
Haworthia at a glance
| Type | Houseplant |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Bright light |
| Plant spacing | 4 in |
| Row spacing | 4 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Slow-growing; repot every 2–3 years |
| How to start | Give haworthia an east or west window, a gritty 1:1 mix with perlite or pumice, and let the mix dry between waterings to avoid root rot |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant haworthia
Haworthias are houseplants, so they can be potted up any time. Repot every 2 to 3 years, and move up only as the plant expands rather than starting in an oversized pot. After winter indoors, acclimate plants to outdoor sun over a few weeks to prevent sunburn. See your growing zone if you want to move pots outside in summer.
How to plant haworthia
- Light: an east or west window with a few hours of direct light daily plus bright indirect light. A south window may be too bright without a sheer curtain. Too little light makes leaves elongate and lose color.
- Soil: blend commercial potting mix 1:1 with perlite, aquarium gravel, poultry grit or pumice. Avoid sand, which clogs pores; peat-based mixes break down over time.
- Pot: shallow, with drainage holes. Match pot volume to the root system, and empty saucers promptly. Terra cotta dries faster than plastic or ceramic.
Caring for haworthia
Water about weekly in summer if the mix is well drained, and less in winter; let the medium dry between waterings. Prolonged wet soil, especially when cool or dim, can cause root rot. Use the overwatering checker if leaves shrivel.
The best temperature range is 75 to 90°F. Plants tolerate temperatures into the low 40s°F, especially with drier soil, but the extension advises against risking frost.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Other small succulents with the same bright-light, gritty-mix needs |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Oversized pots, peat-heavy mixes and standing water in saucers |
University sources do not address pet toxicity for haworthia; check the ASPCA list before placing it where pets can chew. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Stalled growth, smaller leaves, shriveling | Unpot, remove weak or decayed roots, let the plant dry for about a week, then repot in fresh mix and water carefully. Severe rot can reach the stem. |
| Stretched, pale growth | Leaves elongate and lose color | Not enough light. Move to an east or west window or use a plant light. |
| Mealybugs | Cottony clusters on leaves and roots | The main pest. Remove by hand or use a houseplant insecticide following the label; see the pest identifier. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Haworthia is grown for its foliage. The most common propagation method is offsets (pups): separate them from the base, let cut wounds air-heal for a few days, then pot them in well-drained mix. Leaf cuttings work for plants that rarely offset, and seed germinates in 1 to 2 weeks in moist mix.
Plan your haworthia
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant haworthias?
Space haworthias 4 inches apart in rows 4 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant haworthia offset?
Pot it at the same level it was growing in a shallow pot with drainage holes.
How long do haworthias take to grow?
Haworthia is a slow-growing houseplant; repot every 2 to 3 years.
How much water do haworthias need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. About weekly in summer, less in winter; let the mix dry between waterings.
How often should I water haworthia?
About weekly in summer if the mix drains well, less in winter, and always let it dry between waterings.
How do I propagate haworthia?
Separate offsets (pups), let the cut heal for a few days, then pot them in well-drained mix.
Why is my haworthia stretching?
Too little light causes leaves to elongate and lose color.