Haworthia obtusa: Everything You Need To Know

Succulent plants can survive in adverse environments without much care and interference from humans. Seeing these desert plants growing in hostile environments, we are inspired to tackle all the hurdles of our life like them and move forward despite any problems. Thus, having succulents in front of our eyes keeps us motivated. Haworthia Obtusa, a tiny succulent, can be the best option because we can grow it indoors, even in our working place (desk) with low maintenance.

Introduction

In the world of succulent plants, Haworthia Obtusa commonly known as Cushion Aloe, Star Window Plant, or Mini Aloe occupies a pretty decent place. Despite its super fancy look Haworthia Obtusa requires low maintenance compared to other varieties of succulents.

Originating in the eastern cape of South Africa this desert plant can be grown in less space both indoors and outdoors with a limited supply of water. While growing indoors, bright indirect sunlight with a south-facing window can be best. Talking about outdoors, places with morning sunlight and shed in the rest of the day are preferable to avoid extra sunlight which results in the loss of the vibrant leaf colour. Haworthia Obtusa widely preferred for its foliage belongs to the Aloaceae family, the same as aloe Vera plants.

Since it is a desert plant its leaves are narrowed to check transpiration and minimize water loss. This feature enables it to thrive well in drought conditions.

Morphology

In a natural growing environment, it has somehow deeper roots to absorb water from depths. Further, it has surface roots to increase the water absorptive area. However, while growing in observed conditions, deep pots are not preferred to grow Haworthia cause there is sufficient moisture in the atmosphere and one or two irrigation works when the soil gets dry during the summer season. Thus, shallow pots are used to limit root growth. Moreover, moist soil is not appropriate for the growth of Haworthia obtusa.

The leaves of Obtusa are fleshy to hold water for dry periods. Most varieties are stemless but if present they are succulent and can be up to 5 cm. The leaves form a rosette structure making it stunning. Further, leaves are thicker and ovate with the entire margin, and leaf tips are rather obtuse or rounded and pellucid. During maturity, leaves are characterized by denser rosettes forming round clumps.

As mentioned above, they are grown for foliage because it takes quite a lot of time to reach the flowering stage. Generally, we have to be patient and wait around 3 to 5 years to see its wonderful flower. Flowers of Haworthia obtusa are small white, along with little pink colour, positioned in the middle of a plant and perched in the 8-inch peduncle.

A quick overview of this plant is tabulated below:-

Botanical Classification

USDA Growing Zone 

Considering the outdoors they thrive well in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 which includes Texas, California, Louisiana, Florida, and other southern areas of the states. But it is excellent houseplants in all locations.

Special Features

Evergreen perennial succulent plant.

Requires less space.

Drought tolerant.

Unique glassy and translucent leaves.

Haworthia includes a variety of cultivars, including the variegated cultivar, which has green and white striped leaves.

Toxicity 

It is non-toxic to humans and pets. But we cannot ingest Haworthia obtusa. By mistake, if pets or children consume it we should call the concerned authority.

-Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA): (888) 426-4435

-National Capital Poison Center: (800) 222-1222

Haworthia obtusa Variegated 

The variegated cultivar is known for its distinctive green and white striped leaves, which give it a unique appearance. This variegated succulent looks stunning.

Haworthia obtusa Crystal Blue

Haworthia Crystal Blue is known for its distinctive blue-green leaves making it more appealing. It allows the light to pass through it and gives it a blue-glass-like appearance.

Haworthia obtusa Hybrid

It is commonly called Toad’s toes which have a purplish-green colour covered with little white bumps that look like warts all over, so-called Toad’s toes.

Haworthia obtusa Vs cooperi

Cooper’s is a succulent species that grows in dense clusters and is valued as an ornamental species for uniquely shaped leaves and is also called Cushion Aloe.

Haworthia obtusa Care

Light

Bright indirect sunlight is best for Haworthia but it can tolerate direct sunlight too. However, extreme temperatures can retard their growth, sucking away all the moisture and making the leaf curl up. While growing indoors, bright indirect sunlight with a south-facing window is suitable. Talking about outdoors, places with morning sunlight and shed in the rest of the day are preferable to avoid extra sunlight which results in the loss of the vibrant leaf colour.

Temperature

Haworthia requires 68 degrees F to 90 degrees F temperature for its overall growth. Since it is a desert plant it can tolerate extreme temperatures which can cause burns to other plants. Usually, the plant can endure frosty temperatures with some cold protection but eventually succumb to temperature stress.

Soil

Haworthia prefers well-draining soil, so it is important to use a soil mix that contains sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. It requires slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5 to 7.6. This mini aloe cannot withstand water logging conditions. So, if our garden contains Clay soil, we must mix sand and make it friable, the soil must contain sufficient nutrients and organic matter.

Humidity and Irrigation

Plants that are typically found in arid areas or hot climates can tolerate low humidity. Since it is also a desert plant, it doesn’t require high humidity. An increase in humidity affects the growth of Haworthia. 

The Pebble tray method of watering and humidifier both are used to increase humidity in Plants. As we know high humidity is the enemy of Haworthia, we don’t apply this method for watering. When the soil gets dry we must water Haworthia. Fewer irrigation works while growing indoors as they do poorly when overwatered. While growing outdoors we should water the plant once every week during the summer season.

Fertiliser

Cactus-specific fertilizer that has been diluted to half of its intended strength is applied to grow Haworthia. Fertiliser is applied once or twice a year in the fall and spring. But we must consider not fertilizing the plant during its dormant period i.e. winter. It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage to the plant. Additionally, fertilizer should not be applied to dry soil, as this can also cause damage to the roots and cause loss.

Potting and Repotting

Transferring this plant to another pot can cause stress to the plant. Plants must not be damaged while shifting, especially roots. Repotting every two years is appropriate so that soil can be freshened up and rich in nutrients. After repotting, until its establishment extra care should be provided and soil should be kept wet. Regarding potting media, it should be rich in nutrients and free from fungus and viruses.

Training and Pruning

Haworthia plants typically don’t grow very much, so there’s no specific time for pruning. You can remove any leaves that are discolored or decaying to keep the plant looking good or divide the plant to propagate it. Scant pruning can be done in certain intervals depending upon the growth of Haworthia obtusa.

Propagation

It is not that difficult to propagate the Haworthia obtusa plant as we can separate offset from the parent plant or we can even use mature leaf cutting to grow new ones. The planting materials used for the growth of this Haworthia are mentioned below:

1. Offset or pups cutting

2. leaf cuttings

3. Seed

1. Offset cuttings

Offset are parts of the plants that can reproduce asexually and are genetically the same as the parent plant. They are selected from the mature healthy plant and they share the same root system with the mother plant until they are detached. Following are the steps to propagate Haworthia obtusa from offsets:-

1. Select mature healthy plants.

2 Separate the offset gently and make sure that it contains the root.

3. Take a 6-inch wide pot and fill it with a potting mixture(succulent cactus mix).

4. Poke a hole and place it vertically in the pot.

5. Make sure to water until its roots are spread firmly in the soil. But soil should be dry during watering.

6..They are established within 6 weeks and are mature enough to pop out new leaves.

2. Leaf cuttings

We can propagate the Haworthia, with individual, outer lower leaves.

1. Select the mature plant with thick succulent leaves.

2. Gently cut the plant with a sterilized tool horizontally.

3. Dip the cut end of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder.

4..Allow the cut end to callus over for a few days, then plant the cutting in well-draining soil.

5. Water the soil sparingly until you see new growth.

3. Seed

It is not a widely used method for propagation. To fasten the growth we should soak the water in lukewarm water for half an hour otherwise the growth process is passive. We must plant the seeds within 6 months of the harvest to ensure their viability and successful germination. Seeds are planted in a seedling tray containing porous and nutrient-rich soil.

Price 

Prices vary according to the size of Haworthia and the places we buy from. The average price is given below:-

Common Problems in Haworthia

Since it is a desert plant it cannot withstand water logging conditions and leads to root rot. To avoid this make sure to let the soil dry out completely between watering. In addition, it is advisable to inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests, such as mealybugs or spider mites.

Some problems.

Leaves curling and brown or red leaf tips problems occur rarely.

Pros and cons

Final Words 

If you are looking for a plant to place on your working table with low maintenance, Haworthia obtusa can be the one. It is a drought-resistant succulent plant that requires less space. With their unique appearance and compact growth habit, they are perfect for small spaces and make great additions to any collection.