The Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ is a distinctive succulent known for its straightforward care. This plant showcases dark green, somewhat translucent leaves that form a compact, symmetrical rosette, often featuring raised white dots. This slow-growing succulent is an intergeneric hybrid, often sold as ×Gasteraloe ‘Royal Highness’, resulting from a cross between Gasteria and Haworthia species. Its compact size and low maintenance make it suitable for indoor environments like windowsills, bookshelves, and miniature succulent gardens.
Haworthia Royal Highness Care
Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ thrives with specific environmental conditions.
Light
Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ prefers bright, indirect light. An ideal indoor placement is near an east-facing window, allowing it to receive morning sun without harsh afternoon rays. Excessive direct sunlight can discolor leaves, causing them to appear white, yellow, or reddish, and may lead to sunburn. Insufficient light results in etiolation, where the plant stretches and loses its compact form.
Watering
Watering Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ correctly prevents common issues. The “soak and dry” method is recommended, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering often leads to root rot. During the active growing seasons of spring and fall, water thoroughly, then wait until the topsoil is dry before the next watering. In winter, when growth slows, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough water to prevent leaves from shriveling.
Soil
The ideal soil for Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ must be well-draining, gritty, and aerated to prevent waterlogging. A commercial succulent or cactus potting mix is suitable. Enhance drainage by adding inorganic materials such as perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to the mix.
Temperature and Humidity
Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ adapts well to average indoor temperatures, thriving between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It tolerates cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but requires protection from frost, as extreme cold can damage the plant. These succulents have low humidity requirements, making typical household levels between 30-50% suitable. Avoid overly humid environments, such as steamy bathrooms or kitchens.
Fertilizing
Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ has minimal fertilization needs. During its active growing season in spring and summer, apply a diluted succulent fertilizer sparingly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to one-quarter to half of the recommended strength, every 4-6 weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant winter period, as this can lead to nutrient buildup and harm the plant.
Repotting and Propagation
Repotting and propagation are important for the long-term health and expansion of Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ collections.
Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ is a slow-growing succulent and does not require frequent repotting. Repot every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of drainage holes or soil drying too quickly. Spring or early summer, at the beginning of the active growing season, is the best time for repotting. When repotting, gently remove the plant, inspect the roots, and use fresh, well-draining succulent soil. Wait a few days after repotting before watering to allow any root injuries to heal.
The most common method for propagating Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ is by separating offsets, also known as “pups,” that form at the base of the mother plant. Detach these offsets when they have developed their own roots and reached a reasonable size, typically at least one-third the size of the parent plant. After separation, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days before planting it in its own pot with well-draining soil. Leaf propagation is another option, though more challenging and slower to establish.
Common Problems
Addressing common issues promptly helps maintain the health of Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’.
Overwatering is a primary concern for Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’, often leading to root rot. Symptoms include mushy, discolored leaves, a black base, or an unstable plant. If root rot is suspected, reduce watering immediately and consider repotting into fresh, dry soil after removing any rotted parts of the roots.
Underwatering or dehydration can manifest as shriveled or flattened leaves. If these signs appear, increase watering slightly, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings.
Etiolation, characterized by stretched, leggy growth, occurs when the plant does not receive enough light. Move the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light. However, stretched growth will not revert to its compact form.
Haworthia ‘Royal Highness’ is generally resistant to pests, but mealybugs and spider mites can be an issue. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses in leaf crevices, while spider mites may cause fine webbing or speckling on leaves. Treatment involves physical removal with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or using insecticidal soap.