Origin and Habitat: Southern Cape near the Gouritz River, South Africa.
Cultivation and Propagation: Haworthia retusa var. acuminata are of easy to grow and relatively low maintenance, they make a good houseplant and in our climate of Geelong (South East Australia) grow easily outdoors, they can grow easily on window sills, and in miniature succulent gardens where they are happy to share their habitat with other smaller succulent plants, or in outdoor rockeries.
Growth rate: They are relatively slow-growing plants that offsets to form small clusters with time.
Soil: They are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats, but prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage. A non-acid soil is ideal. You can grow a plant in a 10-15 cm pot for years and have perfectly happy plants. For best results, use a shallow pot.
Exposition: The plant needs light shade to shade, but will take full sun, best to avoid afternoon sun especially during summer. (with some sun exposure the leaf develops a nice reddish tint and remains compact)
Watering: During the hot summer months, the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. During the winter months, water only when the soil becomes completely dry. Always be mindful that Wet soil quickly causes root, especially during chilly winter months. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots.
Fertilization: The plants are fertilized only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended strength.
Hardiness: Although the plant will survive mild frost if kept dry (hardy as low as -5° C) it should be protected from severe cold and prolonged frost conditions.
Rot: Rot is a problem with Haworthia if kept wet. So care must be given in watering frequency, keeping them warm and wet (sigh) while growing, and cooler and dry when dormant.
Remarks: Haworthias are best planted in a shaded and airy part of the garden, indoors in bright light, but not too close to the window if it receives direct sun in warmer weather.
Propagation: Haworthia are easily propagated by the removal of offshoots/pups at anytime of the year just avoid during heatwaves or frosts. They can also be grown from seed but will not be true.