What to do when Haworthia cooperi shrivels? Teach you the correct remedy

Haworthia cooperi is currently one of the more popular small succulents in China. The main reason for its popularity is that its leaves are crystal clear, transparent or semi-transparent, just like jelly, and very cute. Many people who have grown Haworthia cooperi have mentioned that their leaves slowly shriveled as they cared for them, especially the bottom leaves, which is particularly obvious. What is going on here? Qinnong.com will now guide everyone through understanding: the causes of Haworthia cooperi shriveling and the recovery methods.

I. Causes of Haworthia cooperi leaf shriveling

1. Poor root development

If a newly acquired Haworthia cooperi develops shriveling as it is being grown, the first thing to consider is whether the roots have not developed well. Because the roots cannot absorb nutrients from the soil, Haworthia cooperi will rely on the nutrients in its leaves to supply itself, which causes the leaves to shrivel. If during cultivation you find that Haworthia cooperi has not grown for a long time and the leaves have shriveled, you can consider digging it out and changing the soil for cultivation.

2. Light

Haworthia cooperi likes a cool light environment. If the temperature is too hot and Haworthia cooperi remains under strong light exposure, then leaf shriveling may occur.

3. Humidity

Many forums have introduced the method of enclosed cultivation for Haworthia cooperi. Enclosed cultivation of Haworthia cooperi is actually a care method that provides a high-humidity environment. Haworthia cooperi grown in a higher-humidity environment will have more moist and plump leaves. If the environment where Haworthia cooperi grows is too dry and moisture cannot reach the leaves, leaf shriveling is likely to occur.

4. Water accumulation

Haworthia cooperi is a shallow-rooted plant. During cultivation it does not need a very deep pot, and the soil should also be loose and well-draining. During watering, prevent water accumulation, because if water accumulates in the pot, Haworthia cooperi is prone to root rot, the leaves cannot absorb nutrients, they shrink, and then dry up and die.

5. Rain exposure

Haworthia cooperi leaves are crystal clear and plump, but this does not mean Haworthia cooperi can withstand rain. After rain exposure, rainwater will slide down along the leaves and gather at the roots, creating water accumulation at the roots, which easily leads to root rot.

6. Freezing

Haworthia cooperi likes cool shade, but it is not cold-tolerant. Haworthia cooperi grown indoors in winter will be frozen due to low nighttime temperatures, and after freezing, Haworthia cooperi will show leaf shriveling.

II. How to handle Haworthia cooperi after it shrivels

There are many causes of Haworthia cooperi shriveling, so the handling methods after discovering shriveling are also different. Qinnong.com summarizes the main methods as follows:

1. For leaf shriveling caused by root rot after overwatering or rain exposure, you can directly dig out the plant and replant it with new potting soil. The newly changed potting soil only needs to be slightly moist. The rotted root parts must be completely removed. You can also peel off some skin from the root area to expose the plant's stem. The shriveled leaves also need to be cut off to prevent them from continuing to absorb nutrients. After that, wait quietly for the plant to grow new roots.

2. For leaf shriveling caused by freezing, likewise cut off the shriveled leaves for the same reason as above, then place the plant in a sunny place to sun it, preferably behind a screen window or colored glass, because burns caused by direct strong light must also be avoided.

III. The growing environment of Haworthia cooperi

Haworthia cooperi is suitable for growing in a semi-shaded environment and likes coolness. Its main growing season is the cool spring and autumn seasons. It needs a certain amount of air humidity. It is drought-tolerant but not tolerant of drought. In summer it must not be directly exposed to the sun, nor placed in prolonged shade. The specific environmental requirements are as follows.

1. Temperature: Haworthia cooperi originated in the warm, dry environment of South Africa. The suitable temperature for growth is 18-22°C. During the high-temperature period in summer, Haworthia cooperi is in a semi-dormant or dormant state and grows slowly, and can be placed in a ventilated, cool area for care. In winter, if the nighttime temperature is above 8°C and the daytime temperature is above 20°C, it can grow normally. It can tolerate a short-term low temperature of 0°C, but there will be obvious signs of frost damage on the leaves. During overwintering, it is best to keep the temperature above 5°C.

2. Light: Haworthia cooperi is relatively sensitive to light. Too strong light will cause poor leaf growth, showing a light reddish-brown color, and may even burn the leaves; too much shade will cause the plant shape of Haworthia cooperi to become loose and not compact, with thin, elongated leaves. The care method is to add a layer of shade net in summer, and remove the shade net from after autumn to the following spring.

3. Soil: Haworthia cooperi is suitable for growing in loose, well-draining sandy soil. A commonly used mix is 2 parts leaf mold and 3 parts coarse sand or vermiculite, mixed with a small amount of bone meal, etc. The organic matter content of the soil should be moderately increased.

4. Watering: During the growing period, follow the principle of “do not water if not dry, water thoroughly when watering.” There must be no water accumulation, and even less rain exposure, to avoid root rot. The drought period should not be too long. Although Haworthia cooperi is drought-tolerant, long-term water shortage will cause leaf shriveling. When the air is dry, spraying water can be used to supplement moisture.

Fertilizing: During the growing period, vigorously growing plants can be given a fully decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer or a compound fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium once a month. Newly planted plants or weaker-growing plants do not need fertilizing. In summer and winter when the temperature is lower, Haworthia cooperi is in a dormant period, and fertilizing is also unnecessary then. The fertilizing time is usually on a sunny morning or evening.

The above is what Qinnong.com introduces regarding the causes of Haworthia cooperi leaf shriveling and the corresponding measures. Leaves are the main ornamental part of Haworthia cooperi. Once shriveling occurs, it will greatly affect the value of Haworthia cooperi. We hope this article can provide some reference value for fellow flower lovers.