Haworthia retusa

Haworthia retusa key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

Rosettes 5-10 (-15) cm across; leaves 2.5-4 (-8) cm long

Watering

A little slow-release or dilute liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn

Light & Placement

Grow it in bright shade all year. Direct sun will not kill it but slows growth and dulls the leaves; a little sun gives a reddish tint and a compact plant.

Watering

It is a spring-autumn grower (March-June and September-November). Water thoroughly when the surface dries in these periods and hold back in summer and winter. In a climate-controlled room it may keep growing all year.

Temperature & Overwintering

Let it rest over winter in a bright, frost-free place, and never leave it cold in wet soil.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix and repot just before or early in a growing season once the soil is spent and growth slows.

Propagation

Propagate by division, leaf cuttings or seed in March-May or September-October. Always remove leaves with their base attached.

Pests & Cautions

Scale insects and aphids may attack the flowers and root mealybugs the roots. Constantly damp soil breeds fungus gnat larvae that damage roots and stems.

About Haworthia retusa

Haworthia retusa (Kotobuki) is a succulent with glossy triangular leaves in a star-shaped rosette and translucent, vertically lined windows. Rosettes reach 5–10 cm. Beginner-friendly care and buying tips.

7 things to know before growing Haworthia retusa

1. 1Bright, part shade

   A bright spot with light filtered through a sheer curtain suits it well. Strong midsummer sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light makes them stretch and spoils the tidy rosette. With a rosette of roughly 5–10 cm, it is easy to keep on a shelf or a small tray.

2. 2Water when dry

   Wait until the soil is fully dry, then water thoroughly until it runs out of the pot's drainage hole. The thick leaves store water, so keeping the plant on the dry side is safer than overwatering. Pour water at the base rather than into the center of the rosette, where standing water can cause damage.

3. 3Fast-draining soil

   A fast-draining mix works best, such as commercial succulent soil blended with pumice or akadama-type grit. The roots are thick and fleshy, so soil that stays wet can lead to root rot. Choose a pot with a drainage hole.

4. 4Pots and repotting

   Pick a pot only slightly larger than the rosette, and repot roughly every one to two years once the roots fill the pot. Spring or autumn is best, avoiding the hottest and coldest months. Hold off on watering right after repotting and resume once the roots have settled.

5. 5Summer: shade, airflow

   Hot, humid summers are the toughest season for this plant. Move it to a shaded, well-ventilated spot and water sparingly to avoid stuffiness and rot. Growth slows in this period, so skip fertilizer and wait for cooler weather.

6. 6Winter: avoid frost

   Frost and cold drafts can damage the leaves, so keep it in a bright spot indoors. Growth is slow in winter, so water less often and let the soil stay on the dry side. Avoid places where heater airflow blows directly on the plant.

7. 7Choosing a healthy plant

   Look for plants with clear windows, firm leaves and a rosette that keeps its shape. Check that the leaf bases and the crown are not blackened or wobbly. Window patterns and sizes vary from plant to plant, so review the photos and the grower's description to find one you like.

Frequently asked questions about Haworthia retusa

Q.Can beginners grow it?

A.Its growing difficulty is rated as beginner-friendly. Keep it in bright light out of harsh direct sun and water only after the soil dries, and it is an easy succulent to care for.

Q.Is direct sunlight okay?

A.Strong midsummer sun can scorch the leaves, so filtered light or bright part shade is better. Too little light makes the leaves stretch, so avoid dark spots as well.

Q.How often should I water?

A.Go by whether the soil has dried out rather than a fixed schedule. Water thoroughly once it is dry, and cut back in summer and winter when growth slows. Lifting the pot to feel how light it is can help you judge.

Q.Why are the windows shriveling?

A.It may be lack of water, or damaged roots that cannot take water up. If the soil is bone dry, water and watch for recovery. If the plant shrivels while the soil is damp, unpot it and check the roots.

Q.How long can I keep it?

A.It is a perennial, but reliable sources on its lifespan are scarce, so a specific number of years cannot be given. With regular care such as repotting it can be kept for a long time, and if offsets appear you can divide them to make new plants.

Handy Growing Tools for Haworthia retusa

Learn more about Haworthia retusa in the encyclopedia

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