How to Grow Haworthia truncata? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

Haworthia truncata, also known as truncate twelve, is a succulent plant of the genus Haworthia in the family Asphodelaceae. It is robust in habit, with relatively thick roots, a fan-shaped plant form, and thick, fleshy leaves whose transparent tips are like windows. Its patterns are varied, delicate and elegant, like a living work of arts and crafts. Many enthusiasts specially collect and cultivate it. Let us take a look together at how to grow Haworthia truncata!

Growth Habits of Haworthia truncata

Haworthia truncata is native to southern Africa and can now be cultivated in many places around the world. It likes cool, ample but soft sunlight. It tolerates drought and partial shade, dislikes damp shade, is not cold-tolerant, and fears high temperatures. During the growing seasons of spring and autumn, give it ample light; if the light is insufficient, the plant will become loose in form, the leaves will grow leggy, and the “window” surface will become smaller and cloudy.

Propagation Methods of Haworthia truncata

1. Division: Haworthia truncata can be propagated by division when repotting. Remove the young offsets growing beside the mother plant, let them dry for 2-3 days, then plant them. On the second day after planting, spray a little water.

2. Leaf cuttings: During the growing season, cut a healthy semi-lignified fleshy leaf from the base of Haworthia truncata, let it dry for 2-3 days, then insert it into sand or vermiculite. Keep it slightly moist. At 20-25°C, it will root in 3-4 weeks.

3. Root cuttings: Root cuttings of Haworthia truncata are done in conjunction with autumn repotting. Break off a healthy root from the base of the plant and still bury it in the soil, leaving about 1 cm exposed above the soil surface. The top will then sprout and grow into a new plant.

4. Sowing: After the seeds of Haworthia truncata mature, sow them immediately after collection. After sowing, cover the pot surface with glass to retain moisture, and seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days. After sowing and during the seedling stage, use the “seep watering” method to water, avoiding washing the seeds out or knocking over the small seedlings.

Cultivation Methods for Haworthia truncata

1. Temperature: The growing temperature for Haworthia truncata is 15-20°C. In winter, the temperature should be kept above 8°C. If the temperature is too high, it will cause Haworthia truncata to die, because it does not tolerate high temperatures. When growing Haworthia truncata, it can be kept in a dry and partially shaded environment, and the air humidity must not be too damp.

2. Light: Haworthia truncata is a plant that likes partial shade and soft, ample sunlight, so when growing it, provide light in spring and autumn, because the light in these two seasons is relatively soft. It must not be exposed to strong sunlight. In winter, give ample sunlight; above 10°C, continue watering so the plant can grow normally.

3. Watering: Haworthia truncata is a drought-tolerant plant and does not have a great demand for water. However, during the growing period, because the leaves grow relatively quickly and transpire a relatively large amount of water, it is not suitable to water too much. Generally, in summer when temperatures are high, Haworthia truncata is in a dormant period, and it also must not be watered too much.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilizing Haworthia truncata should follow the plant's growth principles, using a small amount applied many times. When fertilizing, pay attention to the combined use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the growing period, fertilize once every two weeks. Generally, a flower fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium formula is used, to conveniently provide the nutrients needed over the long term. When winter temperatures are low, fertilize less or not at all.

5. Repotting: Haworthia truncata generally needs to be repotted once every two years, and repotting should be done in spring. The soil should be loose, fertile, sandy soil. At the same time, it can also be repotted once every September to remove old roots and loosen the soil.

6. Pests and diseases: The pests and diseases of Haworthia truncata include leaf rot and dry rot, among others. When growing it, extra attention is needed. Once such symptoms are found, insecticide and fungicide sprays are needed. Generally, a 1500-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder is used for spraying. The main pest is whitefly, which can be controlled by spraying a 3000-fold dilution of 10% chuchongjing emulsifiable concentrate.