How to Care for Haworthia cooperi in Autumn? Introduction to Seed Sowing Methods

The Haworthia cooperi plant is delicate and small, with crystal-clear, translucent leaf colors that are rich in variation. It is one of the small succulent plants that have gained considerable popularity in China in recent years. Its varieties and forms are numerous, and many classic horticultural cultivars have been derived from it. So how do you care for Haworthia cooperi in autumn? How do you sow Haworthia cooperi seeds?

I. How to Care for Haworthia cooperi in Autumn

For Haworthia cooperi, autumn care is very important. After a long summer, its condition in all respects will drop to a very low state, and its growth rate becomes very slow. Taking the correct care measures is essential for it to recover its normal growth rate.

1. Light

Just as autumn begins, the climate conditions are unstable, and the midday sunlight in particular is still very strong. At this time, avoid exposing Haworthia cooperi to overly strong light. However, as time gradually goes on, you can slowly increase the light duration, because throughout the summer Haworthia cooperi is generally kept in a semi-shaded state, and restoring good light is very important for its growth.

2. Watering

In autumn, Haworthia cooperi has a relatively strong water-absorbing capacity, so it needs to be supplied with a sufficient amount of water. Generally speaking, it should be watered once every two to three days. If the substrate has good water-absorbing capacity, then it needs to be watered once a day.

3. Handling the Roots and Unsuitable Soil

If the soil is unsuitable, then around the beginning of autumn the old soil needs to be replaced with suitable new soil. If the roots are in poor condition, they should also be removed from the pot, treated and repotted around the beginning of autumn.

II. How to Sow Haworthia cooperi Seeds

1. Collecting Seeds

Haworthia cooperi itself does not produce seeds; it must be pollinated with human assistance. When pollinating, it is best to choose a windless, sunny day and select two flowering plants with good growth as the parent plants; those with compact, round, crystal-clear and plump leaves are best, and then artificial pollination can be carried out.

Remove the petals from the two flowering plants, dip a brush in pollen and dab it onto the other plant. You can also store the pollen and do it the next morning, which gives a slightly higher success rate. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds, and once the seeds mature, they can be harvested.

2. Sowing Time

Seeds are generally sown right after harvesting, as their vitality is relatively strong. You can also dry the seeds and store them in the refrigerator, and sowing them in summer can also result in successful growth.

3. Method of Operation

Mix vermiculite, leaf mold and peat soil in a ratio of 3:2:2, then use hot water or place it in a microwave to heat it for high-temperature sterilization; this can reduce the chance of disease.

Sow the seeds at a certain spacing. Although the method of scattering them by hand can also produce seedlings, overlapping may occur and the two may compete for nutrients. Spray a little water with a spray bottle, then cover with plastic film or glass to reduce water loss. After about half a month to 20 days or so, small seedlings will appear.

Once the seedlings appear, remove the glass pane and place them in a ventilated spot, then spray a little more water and do not let the growing medium become too dry.

4. Later-Stage Management

In the later stage, when the seedlings enter the growth period, remove the diseased and weak seedlings. Planting too densely will affect the overall growth momentum, so transplant them to other pots in a timely manner.

There are no specific requirements for the soil after transplanting, but it must not be excessively sticky, heavy soil. The selection principle should follow the principle of good aeration and drainage; vermiculite and charcoal can be used, with other mixtures added.

Plants grown from seed have a certain degree of uncertainty, and variation may occur. If other good-looking, healthy varieties appear, they can be kept.