Watering is the most difficult skill to master for growing Haworthias. Watering at a bad timing may damage or even kill a plant due to root rot. The weather, especially the temperature, should be the main thing you think about when deciding when and how much to water.
With over 80 species, Haworthia are delightful little succulents perfect for beginners. Their petite size and ease of care make them ideal houseplants But knowing how often to water Haworthia is key to keeping them happy and healthy. Understand their watering needs and you’ll have thriving Haworthia for years to come
Why Proper Watering Matters
Getting the watering schedule right prevents common Haworthia problems like:
- Rotting from overwatering
- Wilting and shriveling from underwatering
- Mineral buildup from tap water
Water less frequently in winter when growth slows. Increase watering in summer but allow soil to dry between waterings. Adjust watering based on climate, pot size, and other factors.
Follow these tips to determine the best watering frequency for your Haworthia.
Water Only When Soil is Dry
Haworthia store water in their thick triangular leaves. They can go extended periods without water. Only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out. Use your finger to test soil moisture before watering.
As a general rule, water Haworthia every 2-3 weeks in spring and autumn. In summer, they may need weekly watering. In winter, water every 3-4 weeks. But adjust frequency based on soil dryness.
Water Less Often in Winter
During winter dormancy, Haworthia grow slowly and need less water. Cool temperatures and shorter days reduce their needs
Cut back on watering from fall through early spring. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering even more for varieties like H. attenuata and H. maughanii that are extra dormant in winter.
Water More Frequently in Summer
In their active growth period from spring through summer, Haworthia need more frequent watering. Hot, dry weather accelerates soil drying.
Check soil moisture more often in summer. Water Haworthia when the top inch of soil is dry. Be sure to allow the soil to fully dry between waterings.
Consider Your Growing Zone
Humidity and temperature impact soil moisture and Haworthia’s water needs. In dry climates, plants lose moisture faster. In humid regions, soil retains more moisture.
Haworthia native to hot, arid regions need less water. Varieties from coastal South Africa prefer more moisture. Adjust watering based on the climate conditions where you live.
Use Fast-Draining Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for healthy Haworthia. Use a cactus & succulent soil blend. Or make your own mix with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite.
Avoid regular potting soil that stays wet and suffocates roots. Improve drainage by adding perlite or gravel to any potting mix. Re-pot in fresh soil every 2-3 years.
Water Less in Small Pots
Haworthia in smaller pots need less frequent watering than those in larger containers. Soil dries out faster in smaller pots.
For a 3-inch pot, water a Haworthia every 7-10 days in summer. Use longer intervals for 4-6 inch pots. Bigger pots hold more soil and retain moisture longer.
Let Water Drain and Dry
Always water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. But don’t leave Haworthia sitting in water. Tip the pot to drain excess water. Allow the soil to partially dry before watering again.
Avoid getting water on the leaves which can lead to rotting. Only water at the base of the plant.
Use Rainwater or Distilled Water
Haworthia are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water. Use rainwater or distilled water when possible. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight before watering so the chlorine can dissipate.
Adding gravel as top dressing improves drainage. Or bottom-water by soaking pots in water occasionally to flush out mineral salts.
Don’t Use a Set Schedule
Avoid watering on a fixed schedule, like every 2 weeks. Rely on soil dryness tests instead. Environmental factors change moisture needs over time. Base watering on each plant’s needs, not the calendar.
Observe your Haworthia and learn when they need water. Proper watering is vital for keeping these popular succulents healthy and looking their best.
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In Mild Weather (Spring and Fall)
The growth speed of Haworthias is largely impacted by temperatures. When they are actively growing in mild temperatures in the spring and fall, you can water them right away when the soil around the roots starts to feel dry. In Northern California, I water every ~3 weeks. Just avoid watering plants when they are under direct sunlight, which can lead to high temperatures.
Pick a few plants for each size container, weigh them when the soil is dry, and write the weight on the labels. This is an accurate and easy way to find out how humid the growing medium is. After watering, the remaining water in the growing medium can then be measured by the weight difference. Repeat this weighing process several times can further improve the accuracy. [/card].
When watering, thoroughly wet the growing medium and stop after 10~20% of the water applied exits the drain. This flushes any accumulated salts and metabolites away from the growing medium. Such accumulations can inhibit water and nutrient uptakes of plants. The bottom-up ‘soaking’ approach is not recommended because it is less efficient at taking away accumulations.
It is important to check the weather forecast before watering. When expecting extreme weather, the water regime should be adjusted beforehand (see the below section).
WHEN SHOULD I WATER MY SUCCULENTS – How Often I Water HAWORTHIA Grown In AKADAMA (Plant Care 2019)
FAQ
How do you know if Haworthia is thirsty?
How long can Haworthia go without water?
Do Haworthias need full sun?
How often should you water haworthias?
Humid conditions can affect how often you water haworthias. A greenhouse is a good example – if grasses are growing in your greenhouse, haworthias will need watering more often to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
What is the recommended frequency of drinking water?
A healthy person should drink at least two liters of water every day which is equivalent to 8 glasses of water. It is not too much and one can achieve this goal easily by drinking enough water whenever he/she feels thirsty.
Should I water my Haworthia?
Allow the excess water to drain away before placing your Haworthia back in its pot or container. If you’re like most people, you probably think that watering your Haworthia is as simple as giving it a drink when the soil is dry. However, there are a few things you should know in order to keep your plant healthy and happy.
When should you water a Haworthia tree?
Water your haworthias early in the day so that they can dry out before nightfall. Never water them during the evenings as this moisture will remain trapped within the leaves and cause rot. Nevertheless, don’t water them early in the morning, particularly if it is still dark.
How often do you water a Haworthia cactus?
Haworthia plants do not need watering very often. Let the compost dry out completely and then water well, allowing the pot to drain. Then let it dry out again before watering, avoiding the leaves. If water collects between the leaves it can lead to rot. Feed every three months with a cactus fertiliser.
How do you care for Haworthia?
Always use a pot with holes for the excess water to escape. Haworthia is slow-growing and can be in the same pot for years. Replace the soil every 2 to 3 years. When watering Haworthia use distilled water or rainwater if available. If using tap water let the water sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals to evaporate.