Pincushion Haworthia
haworthia coarctata
Also known as: ["Tube Haworthia","Cushion Haworthia"]
Overview
A compact succulent with fleshy, tubular leaves arranged in tight rosettes, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus: | Haworthia |
| Botanical Name: | Haworthia coarctata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered spot with partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once a year or when dead leaves are noticeable.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in east-facing windows indoors; provide shade during peak summer hours outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright indirect light to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy cactus mix with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; use a mix with inorganic components.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air flow in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with diluted cactus fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups); offsets are the easiest method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offset from mother plant, let callus form, plant in well-draining soil, water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain moderate humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; stem cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; keep soil lightly moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools, remove only dead/damaged leaves, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 cm wider diameter) with good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Choose correct pot size, use fresh soil, ensure drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, discard excess water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting the leaves. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer, reducing frequency to once a month in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or soft mushy leaves.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions; leaves may become brittle.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; use frost cloth for outdoor protection.
Hot Stress
Leaf tips may brown, growth may slow, or leaves may curl under intense heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use correct dilution, fertilize during growing season, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHaworthia coarctata is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose any known health risks to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHaworthia coarctata is not considered toxic to dogs. It poses no significant health risks if ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicHaworthia coarctata is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Haworthia coarctata?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, typically every 2–3 weeks depending on conditions.
Q: Does Haworthia coarctata need direct sunlight?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Q: Is Haworthia coarctata toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright indirect light to parti |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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