Origin and Natural Habitat
The natural form of Haworthia truncata occurs in the semi-arid Little Karoo, between Oudtshoorn, De Rust and Calitzdorp in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Plant Characteristics
This Haworthia truncata hybrid has pure white leaves from its reverse/aurea variegation.
Care Guide
Light
Haworthia are shade loving plants, and it is best to grow them outdoors under at least 60% shade cloth. However, do not give them bright indirect light as this is not sufficient.
Soil
Haworthia are somewhat fussy about their soil mixes, and should be planted in a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well. A medium with Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice is ideal.
Water
This species can be moderately watered throughout the year, but make sure to water carefully during winter so that the soil does not stay too wet. Do not water during peak summer when it is very hot. Also, do not water on overly hot days as this may cause root rot.
Pot size
This genus grows relatively slowly. Small plants can be kept in 8cm pots until they start to grow near the edges of the pot, at which point they can be moved to larger pots. They should only be planted in a pot that is 3-5cm wider than their outermost leaves.
Temperature
Haworthia prefer temperatures between 10 – 25*C. This genus can tolerate 5 – 30*C. All Haworthia are sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Haworthia are semi-arid plants and are somewhat sensitive to humidity. Flower stems tend to succumb to mold if humidity is too high. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Haworthia are in active growth during autumn, early winter and spring, but their growth slows down somewhat in mid-winter, and they are dormant in summer.
Propagation
Haworthia truncata is best propagated from offsets.
Offset propagation: Only take offsets in autumn or spring. Offsets will not root well in mid-winter or summer. Simply use a sterilized sharp knife to remove an offset from the main stem. Make sure it is at least one third of the size of the main ‘head’ plant before removing it, otherwise it may struggle to survive. Let this cutting air dry for two weeks. Plant it in the same soil as the mother plant.