Haworthia are attractive succulents with pointed leaves that grow in a
rosette pattern. With over 70 species, the fleshy leaves can vary from soft to
firm and fuzzy to leathery. Many have white stripes banding the leaves while
other species have variegated coloration. In general, haworthia remain small,
making them the perfect size for container gardening.
Due to their size, purchasing haworthia to fill a flowerbed or
a large succulent planter can get expensive. Propagating haworthia is not
difficult and can give gardeners the quantity of plants they need. There are
several methods of propagating succulents, so let’s consider which methods work
best for haworthia propagation.
How to Propagate Haworthia
There are three proven methods for propagating haworthia: seeds,
offset division, or leaf cutting. Which method you choose will depend upon what
is available to you. Starting new haworthia plants using these methods can give
gardeners all the plants they desire at a minimal cost.
Seeds can be purchased online or collected from your own plants if you’re lucky enough to have a blooming haworthia. Offset division requires a plant that is sending up side shoots. The leaf-cutting method only requires a healthy plant for starting new haworthia.
The ideal soil mixture for starting new haworthia is the
same regardless of the method. Use a premix bagged cactus soil or make your own by combining a
ratio of 2/3 sand, crushed lava rock, or perlite to 1/3 potting soil. When
watering, avoid using municipal water containing chlorine. Instead, use
distilled water or a freshwater source.
Propagating Haworthia from Seed
Soak
the seeds before planting to soften the seed coat. Use warm, not hot, water
and let the seeds soak for roughly 30 minutes. Fill one or more small pots with
the cactus soil mixture and place a few seeds in each pot. Sprinkle a light
layer of sand or small gravel over the seeds to barely cover them. Moisten the
soil.
Seal the pots in a plastic bag or clear container. Place the container where it will receive bright, indirect light and keep it at room temperature. Monitor the moisture level in the sealed container. If it is too dry, lightly water. If algae begins growing, open up the bag or container and allow it to dry.
Once the haworthia has sprouted, resist the urge to
transplant. The root system grows slowly. It’s best to keep them in the sealed
container until the pot is overgrown.
Offset Haworthia Propagation
The best time to remove offset shoots is during repotting in
the spring or fall. Use a sharp knife or shears to remove the offset as close
to the mother plant as possible. Include as many roots as possible when making
the cut.
Allow the plantlets to dry before watering or withhold water
for the first few days after potting. Plant the offsets using the cactus
potting mix. Water sparingly.
Cutting and Rooting Haworthia Leaves
The ideal time to utilize this method of haworthia propagation is at the end of the dormancy period or the beginning of the growing season. Choose a healthy, young leaf. (Older leaves near the base of the plant don’t root as well.) Using a sharp knife, cut off the leaf. Avoid using scissors, which can damage the fleshy leaves.
Dip the cut edge of the leaf in rooting hormone. Allow the leaf to dry for several days until
the cut edge heals or forms a scab. Using the cactus potting mix, gently plant
the leaf in a pot and water. Place the potted leaf where it receives bright,
indirect light.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. It will take several
weeks for the leaf to establish a sufficient root system. Then it can be
transplanted.
Haworthia are attractive succulents with pointed leaves that grow in a
rosette pattern. With over 70 species, the fleshy leaves can vary from soft to
firm and fuzzy to leathery. Many have white stripes banding the leaves while
other species have variegated coloration. In general, haworthia remain small,
making them the perfect size for container gardening.
Due to their size, purchasing haworthia to fill a flowerbed or
a large succulent planter can get expensive. Propagating haworthia is not
difficult and can give gardeners the quantity of plants they need. There are
several methods of propagating succulents, so let’s consider which methods work
best for haworthia propagation.
How to Propagate Haworthia
There are three proven methods for propagating haworthia: seeds,
offset division, or leaf cutting. Which method you choose will depend upon what
is available to you. Starting new haworthia plants using these methods can give
gardeners all the plants they desire at a minimal cost.
Seeds can be purchased online or collected from your own plants if you’re lucky enough to have a blooming haworthia. Offset division requires a plant that is sending up side shoots. The leaf-cutting method only requires a healthy plant for starting new haworthia.
The ideal soil mixture for starting new haworthia is the
same regardless of the method. Use a premix bagged cactus soil or make your own by combining a
ratio of 2/3 sand, crushed lava rock, or perlite to 1/3 potting soil. When
watering, avoid using municipal water containing chlorine. Instead, use
distilled water or a freshwater source.
Propagating Haworthia from Seed
Soak
the seeds before planting to soften the seed coat. Use warm, not hot, water
and let the seeds soak for roughly 30 minutes. Fill one or more small pots with
the cactus soil mixture and place a few seeds in each pot. Sprinkle a light
layer of sand or small gravel over the seeds to barely cover them. Moisten the
soil.
Seal the pots in a plastic bag or clear container. Place the container where it will receive bright, indirect light and keep it at room temperature. Monitor the moisture level in the sealed container. If it is too dry, lightly water. If algae begins growing, open up the bag or container and allow it to dry.
Once the haworthia has sprouted, resist the urge to
transplant. The root system grows slowly. It’s best to keep them in the sealed
container until the pot is overgrown.
Offset Haworthia Propagation
The best time to remove offset shoots is during repotting in
the spring or fall. Use a sharp knife or shears to remove the offset as close
to the mother plant as possible. Include as many roots as possible when making
the cut.
Allow the plantlets to dry before watering or withhold water
for the first few days after potting. Plant the offsets using the cactus
potting mix. Water sparingly.
Cutting and Rooting Haworthia Leaves
The ideal time to utilize this method of haworthia propagation is at the end of the dormancy period or the beginning of the growing season. Choose a healthy, young leaf. (Older leaves near the base of the plant don’t root as well.) Using a sharp knife, cut off the leaf. Avoid using scissors, which can damage the fleshy leaves.
Dip the cut edge of the leaf in rooting hormone. Allow the leaf to dry for several days until
the cut edge heals or forms a scab. Using the cactus potting mix, gently plant
the leaf in a pot and water. Place the potted leaf where it receives bright,
indirect light.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. It will take several
weeks for the leaf to establish a sufficient root system. Then it can be
transplanted.