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Haworthia species make perfect succulent indoor plants since they don’t need as much light as other succulents. They are low-maintenance and beginner-friendly species that make indoor corners more intriguing. Haworthia limifolia is one such example.
Care guide highlights: Haworthia limifolia favors medium to bright light, only occasional watering when the potting medium is almost completely dry. Fertilize twice during the growing season. When it is time to propagate, remove offsets from the base and pot up individually.
This article will give you all the necessary information to grow a healthy and happy Haworthia limifolia.
Introducing Haworthia Limifolia
Leaves
This compact succulent features a small rosette and each leaf has ridges protruding from the surface, giving the plant its common name Fairy Washboard.
The rosette is 50-70 cm across, dark green, opaque, and leaves are usually spreading with elevated margins, moving quickly from a broad base to a sharp, narrow point. There are tubercles raised in ridges on both leaf surfaces.
The leaves are light to very dark green, long (12-30 cm), ovate-lanceolate, fleshy, pointed at the tips, adorned with not-so-conspicuous white ridges or margins. The leaf edges are soft and hairless.
Flowers
The flower stalk will appear from the center of the rosette and may extend over 0.6 m long with small, white, trumpet-shaped flowers, though it is a rare sight, so don’t be disappointed if you end up waiting for Godot.
Height
This small succulent rarely reaches more than 5 cm tall and 10 cm wide, making it ideal for an indoor fairy garden. It performs best in zones 9-11.
Cultivars
There is a variegated and very beautiful form of this plant called Haworthia limifolia var.stricta that has white ridges on the leaves, but it is a bit more difficult to find and may be costly.
Some other cultivars are Haworthia limifolia var.ubomboensis which is bright green, smooth-surfaced found in the mountains near Barberton, very rare indeed. And there is another one, Haworthia limifolia var.gigantea, a very large species with small dispersed tubercles.
Here are a couple of more lovely Haworthia plants for you:
Let’s see what are Haworthia limifolia care requirements!
Does It Need Too Much Light?
Place this leafy friend in medium to bright light. Do not give it the full sun as it will turn to burgundy and may be scorched or sunburn. That said, find it a bright spot such as near or on a windowsill, ideally west or east exposure.
One indicator that the plant is taking way too much direct sunlight is if the leaves turn white or yellow. On the other hand, the leaves will fade in color if the plant lacks sunlight.
Which Temperature Is Ideal?
The minimum temperature you should provide for this plant at all times is 10 degrees C up to 25 degrees C. It does not tolerate frost, so bring the plant indoors before winter.
Provide good airflow and a slight breeze, but never expose the plant to draughts, near air conditioners, or heaters.
Humidity Requirements of Haworthia Limifolia
Haworthia limifolia prefers regular humidity and you don’t need to do anything to increase it. You can arrange a plant party and gather your plants together, but that’s all. Never mist the leaves so as not to invite fungi or bacteria.
Is Well-Draining Soil a Must?
Haworthia plants grow in regular succulent or cactus potting mix because it is fast-draining and rich enough. Always make sure your pots have drainage holes on the bottom and sterilize them before filling in with soil.
Another option is to use perlite and gravel, and some pumice if you can’t get hold of the cactus mix.
Watering- How Often?
Water only when the potting medium has become almost completely dry, especially if growing beside a lower level light source.
Watering once every two weeks in the growing season is ideal, but the plant can survive even with watering once a month.
Overwatering can cause root rot and can be highly detrimental to the plant’s overall health. Always allow the surface of the compost to dry out and water much more sparingly in the winter months.
WATERING TIP: NEVER pour the water directly from above into the rosette. That’s fertile ground for fungi and bacteria. Rather, direct the watering can at the soil level and avoid splashing the leaves.
Repotting Haworthia Limifolia
Like most haworthias, H.limifolia rarely outgrows its container, so repotting is infrequently required. It can remain in the same container for 3 years.
When it is time to repot, choose a new pot one size larger than the old one, fresh soil, sterilize both of them, and plant as you normally would by gently removing the plant from the old pot, filling half the container with soil, placing the plant in the center and adding more soil, firming it around the plant.
If the drainage holes are too big, add mesh or a filtered tea bag to prevent the soil from draining out as well.
Does It Need to Be Fertilized?
Fertilize once a month during the summer months to encourage growth. Use a half-strength balanced fertilizer.
If you are not fond of chemical ones, you can soak up a banana peel overnight and water the plant the following day with enriched water.
Propagation Techniques
The best way to propagate this haworthia is by taking offsets in the following way:
- Remove offsets from the base of the mature plant in early spring.
- Let them callus over for a week or two.
- Plant and pot up individually by using the same soil as for the mother plant, the cactus mix is highly recommended.
- Avoid watering the offset for two weeks.
- Place in a warm, shady place first, gradually increasing the amount of light and water as the plant is growing.
Common Issues and How to Tackle Them
No pruning is necessary, only occasional removal of dead or dying leaves. H.limifolia is not subject to pests and diseases.
However, it can get visited by aphids and mealybugs. Treat such infestations immediately, by wiping them with a cotton pad or swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or using a diluted insecticide. Repeat the process after 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can Haworthia limifolia grow?
H.limifolia is a rather compact and small succulent that rarely grows more than 5 cm tall and 10 cm wide. The size is what makes this plant ideal for windowsills and office desks, very charming in small, decorative pots.
Does haworthia need sunlight?
All plants need sunlight to a certain extent, depending on the type of light and plant. Some haworthia species prefer bright sun while the majority favors partial shade. Besides, most of them are well-adapted to low-light conditions. Provide partial sun to be on the safe side.
Do haworthia die after flowering?
Haworthias are flowering plants and they produce flowers in the summer. However, they do not die after flowering, but rather produce flowers all year round in their native habitat and rarely in typical household conditions. Once the flowering period ends, you can trim the stem a bit to maintain a better shape.
Conclusion
Usually very small and very slow-growing, haworthias are perfect low-maintenance plants grown for their attractive leaves. They are usually compared to aloes with the white tubercles covering the backs of the leaves, thus giving a pearly, distinctive appearance.
Thriving in indirect light, dainty haworthia plants look great when grouped together so check out H.truncata and H.fasciata or some other haworthia species.
