Haworthia coarctata [ha-WORTH-ee-a] [koh-ARK-tay-tuh] is a flowering succulent native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
It’s part of the Asphodelaceae family and the genus formerly known as “haworthia.” The genus now goes by the name “haworthiopsis.” However, most know it but its old name.
Haworthia coarctata produces a rosette of thick succulent leaves with unusual white markings. Despite its distinct appearance, people frequently confuse it with haworthia reinwardtii. The coarctata variety has wider, fatter leaves.
It’s relatively easy to grow and doesn’t require frequent watering or any grooming.
Haworthia Coarctata Care
Size and Growth
Haworthia coarctata is a low-growing succulent with a thick rosette of fleshy leaves.
The plant forms a tight rosette growing upright, instead of leaves growing outward.
The green succulent leaves feature white bands and pearly warts.
It may reach up to 8” inches tall and achieve a spread of several inches.
It’s a small plant and easy to grow in a container on its own or in a succulent garden.
Flowering and Fragrance
Coarctata produces small green flowers in the summer. The flowers are insignificant and don’t produce a fragrance.
In some cases, it may not flower at all, but it’s mostly grown for its interesting rosettes.
Light and Temperature
This plant grows well outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b or higher.
In a region dipping below freezing during the winter, the plant needs indoor cultivation or overwintering.
Allow the plant to get at least six hours of bright sunlight each day, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight.
Watering and Feeding
As a succulent, the Haworthia doesn’t need frequent watering.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between each watering.
- Gradually reduce watering at the end of the fall season.
- By winter, the plant should only need watering every other month.
- Avoid pouring water onto the rosette.
- Water collected in the rosette increases the risk of rot.
- Use succulent fertilizer during the summer months, when the plant growth remains the most active.
- Don’t fertilize at all during the colder months.
Soil and Transplanting
Use well-draining soil, such as standard cactus mix.
If using regular potting soil, add sand and organic matter to create porous soil which drains quickly, yet still retains nutrients.
Transplanting isn’t necessary, but offsets may slowly crowd the pot or dish.
After removing the offsets for propagation, the mother plant shouldn’t need a larger pot.
When growing a cluster of plants or allowing the offsets to grow to form clusters, transplanting to a larger pot helps encourage fuller growth.
Transplant clusters to larger dishes in the spring or early summer. Always use fresh succulent potting mix when transplanting.
Grooming
Haworthia coarctata doesn’t require any special grooming.
How to Propagate Haworthia Coarctata
Propagate with offsets, leaf cuttings, or seeds.
The plant produces offsets throughout the year which sprout up around the base of the mother plant.
To propagate offsets:
- Pull them from the soil and allow them to dry for one to two days.
To propagate with leaf cuttings:
- Cut a firm leaf from the plant, gently twisting it from the stem.
- Wait several days, allowing the leaf to heal and form a callous.
- Don’t plant the leaf.
- Simply lay it on the soil.
- Use well-draining soil for the offsets or leaf cuttings.
Allow these new growths to take root and begin growing new rosettes.
Propagate in the spring, and the plants should be ready for transplanting by the end of the summer.
If propagating from seed:
- Sow the seeds in the fall.
- In USDA zones 9a or higher, sow outdoors in well-draining soil.
- In cooler regions, sow indoors in a starter tray and keep the seedlings under bright light.
- For best results, use a grow light to provide the seedlings with optimal lighting.
- In the spring, transplant to shallow dishes or plant outdoors.
Haworthia Pest or Diseases
Pests don’t pose a serious threat to the plant, but any indoor plant may attract flies or aphids.
Moving the plant outdoors may solve the problem.
For serious infestations use insecticide but, avoid spraying the insecticide in the center of the rosette.
The main problem to look for is overwatering. If the soil doesn’t drain well or the plant receives too much water, it may develop fungal growth.
If fungal growth appears, allow the plant to completely dry. If possible, cut away the affected areas.
For severe fungal infections, propagate the plant using healthy offsets or leaf cuttings and discard the mother plant.
Suggested Haworthia Coarctata Uses
Haworthia coarctata is a great addition to any rock garden or succulent garden. Use it as a filler plant to help fill in areas of the garden.
Learn how to grow and care for Haworthia coarctata with its unusual leaves. Use it as an ornamental plant on a windowsill, where it grows in clusters in a shallow pot.