Haworthia care: light, water, and pet safety

Haworthia spp.

Care table

Light	Medium light to bright indirect light. Bright indirect light. Unlike most succulents it burns in strong direct sun.
Water	Let it dry out fully. Water when the soil is dry all the way down.
Humidity	Average room air is fine
Repotting	Every 2 to 3 years in spring. It likes to be a bit root bound.

Winter care

Water sparingly, often every 3 to 6 weeks in a cool room. Stop fertilizer. Give it your brightest window.

Pet safety

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Haworthia

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Soft, mushy base or black roots: Root rot from soil that stays wet too long. Common in winter.
Red or brown leaves: Too much direct sun.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool