Haworthia reinwardtii, also known as Zebra Wart or African Pearls, is a distinctive succulent with simple care. It originates from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, growing naturally in rocky, shaded spots. Its striking foliage features stacked, triangular leaves spiraling around a central stem, forming a columnar rosette. Dark green leaves are adorned with raised white bumps or tubercles, creating a textured, zebra-like pattern.
Essential Care Requirements
Haworthia reinwardtii thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it a few feet from an east or west-facing window, as direct midday sun can scorch its leaves, causing them to turn brown or white. Insufficient light causes etiolation, characterized by stretched, leggy growth and a paler green color.
Watering Haworthia reinwardtii is important to prevent root rot. Use the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly water until excess drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Frequency varies with environmental factors, but reduce watering significantly during cooler winter months when growth slows.
A well-draining soil mix supports Haworthia reinwardtii health. Use a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix, or create a homemade blend with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Standard potting soil retains too much moisture, leading to root rot.
This succulent prefers average room temperatures, 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It tolerates slightly cooler conditions, but protection from frost is necessary as it is not frost-hardy. Haworthia reinwardtii adapts to low humidity and thrives in typical household conditions without additional humidity.
Fertilizing Haworthia reinwardtii is not a frequent requirement. If desired, apply a diluted liquid succulent fertilizer (half or quarter strength) once a month or every other month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter period.
Potting and Repotting
When selecting a pot for Haworthia reinwardtii, ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Terracotta pots are popular; their porous nature allows moisture to evaporate, helping the soil dry out. Repot every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing through drainage holes or soil drying too quickly.
During repotting, gently remove the plant and inspect roots for damage or rot. Place Haworthia reinwardtii in a new pot, slightly larger, typically about an inch wider in diameter, using fresh, well-draining succulent soil. After repotting, wait a few days before watering to allow disturbed roots to heal and prevent rot.
Propagation
Haworthia reinwardtii propagates easily using offsets (pups) that grow around the parent plant’s base. Carefully separate these offsets, ensuring some roots are attached if possible. After separation, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days in a warm, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Once callused, plant the offset in a small pot with well-draining succulent soil. Water sparingly initially to encourage root development, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, similar to a mature plant. While leaf cuttings are a propagation method for some succulents, offsets yield higher success rates for Haworthia reinwardtii.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues affecting Haworthia reinwardtii are often related to improper care. Mushy or yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or poorly draining soil, which can lead to root rot. Brown or crispy leaf tips suggest underwatering or too much direct sunlight.
Leggy or stretched growth, where the plant appears elongated and less compact, indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light to correct this. While Haworthia reinwardtii is resilient to pests, mealybugs and spider mites can appear. Manage these by dabbing mealybugs with rubbing alcohol or rinsing spider mites from the plant.