Haworthia coarctata is a species of succulent plant belonging to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family.
Which is originally from South Africa.
The greater diversity of the Haworthia is distributed throughout the southwest of the Cape Province, Swaziland, Namibia and southern Mozambique (Maputalandia).
This species of the genus Haworthia is quite columnar and can reach a height of about 20 cm.
The color of the leaves varies from gray-green to red-green, depending on the growing conditions and, sometimes, the leaves have white spots.
Haworthia coarctata are succulent with fleshy leaves arranged in the form of a rosette, ranging from 3 cm in diameter to 30 cm.
The flowers appear at the end of peduncles, grouped in clusters.
Susu flowers are small and white, about 1 cm, of 5 petals.These flowers bloom in summer.
Haworthia coarctata is a proliferative species, easy to grow and relatively low maintenance.
What makes this plant so special is its ability to change color: in a colder climate, the plant blushes red bronze.
Haworthia coarctata is a good houseplant, and an excellent plant for beginners in the succulent world.
This plant is a wintering and is inactive in the hottest summer months. During cultivation the plant needs a sunnier position to show its beauty.
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Tips to care for the Haworthia coarctata
Substratum
This plant tolerates a wide range of soils and habitats, but they prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage.
A non-acidic soil is ideal. You can grow a plant in a 10-15 cm pot for years and have perfectly happy plants, since this plant is slow growing,
Illumination
The plant needs a good exposure to the sun so that its leaves grow compactly.
With a little exposure to the sun, the leaf develops a pleasant reddish color and remains compact.
The ideal lighting for this plant is a semi-shade.
Watering
During the summer months, watering should be frequent, they should only prevent the plant from staying very dry, or that it is excessively humid.
During the winter months, you should only water when the soil becomes completely dry. Since, moist soil quickly causes root and stem rot, especially during the winter months.
By waiting for the substrate to be completely dry before the next irrigation, we protect the plant from root rot and fungus formation.
Temperature
This plant withstands the cold well, but so that the plant can grow perfectly, the temperature cannot drop below 10 ºC, since if the temperature is too low, the plant can die.
Fertilizer
Although this plant does not need fertilizer to grow, it is good to add fertilizer to nourish the plant and grow much better.
Ideally, buy a special fertilizer for cacti and succulents, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Transplant
Due to the slow growth, this plant does not require such a frequent transplant. The plant must be transplanted every 2 to 4 years.
Propagation
Haworthia coarctata can spread in a very simple way.
You should only use a sharp knife or scissors and make a cut as close as possible to the stem stem, including as many roots as possible, and make it a clean cut (no part of the root remains on the mother plant).
Then let the cutting rest for 2 days so that the wound becomes calloused, before sowing.
Then place the cuttings in a small pot, using the same soil as the mother plant, placing it in a warm and bright place. Be sure to water properly.
Keep the substrate moist until the cutting begins to take root, just avoid watering the cutting directly to prevent the leaf from publishing.
Propagation by seeds
The best time to plant this plant is in spring. You should only use a small pot and add a special substrate for cacti and succulents with good drainage.
Then spread the seeds on top of the substrate, and add a very light layer of substrate to the seeds.
Keep the substrate moist (but avoid waterlogging), and keep the pot in a place where it receives good sunlight.
Once the plant is ripe and suitable for manipulation, it can be transplanted into a definitive pot.
Pruning
This plant does not need to be pruned. Only remove the leaves that are battered or dry, so that the plant looks better.
Plagues and diseases
The main problem that can affect your plant is excess water. Since, this can cause the roots of the plant to rot, and can also cause fungal formation.
These plants can also be attacked by mealybugs. If the plant is attacked by this pest, it is best to buy a special fertilizer for these types of pests.