You may ask if haworthia grows as fast as other succulents. Haworthia cooperi actually grows slowly and stays smaller than most aloe. How fast it grows depends on a few things.
| Factor | How It Affects Growth |
|---|---|
| Light Intensity | Helps the plant grow faster |
| Growth Regulators | Changes how new shoots form |
| Environment | Affects the plant’s hormones |
Key Takeaways
- Haworthia cooperi grows at a slow pace. It can take a year or longer to see it get bigger. You need to be patient to enjoy how special it looks.
- Give your haworthia bright but not direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours each day. Change the light if the leaves get long or lose color.
- Water your haworthia well once a week when it is growing. Always check the soil before watering so you do not give it too much water.
Growth Speed
Typical Rate
When you bring home a haworthia cooperi, you might wonder how quickly it will grow. This plant takes its time. You will not see big changes overnight. Most haworthia plants grow slowly, and haworthia cooperi is no exception. If you start from seed, the process moves through several clear stages:
- Seeds sprout and begin to grow tiny roots and leaves.
- After about two months, seedlings show a few leaves. You can start letting them get used to open air.
- At first, you need to water the seedlings more often. As they grow, you can water less.
- After six months, the young plants are strong enough for you to move them into regular soil.
You can expect your haworthia cooperi to stay small for a while. Even mature plants only reach about 4 cm (1.5 inches) in height. During the main growth period, you might notice new leaves or small offsets, but the changes are slow and steady. If you give your plant the right care, you will see healthy, gradual growth.
Tip: Patience pays off! Haworthia plants reward you with beautiful, compact rosettes if you let them grow at their own pace.
Compared to Other Succulents
You may have seen other succulents shoot up quickly or spread fast. Haworthia cooperi grows much slower than many popular succulents like jade plants or echeveria. While some succulents double in size in just a few months, haworthia usually takes a year or more to show noticeable growth. This slow pace makes it perfect for small spaces and for people who do not want to repot often.
If you want a plant that stays neat and tidy, haworthia is a great choice. You will not need to worry about it outgrowing its spot. The slow growth also means you can enjoy the unique look of haworthia cooperi for a long time without much fuss.
Haworthia cooperi Care
Light Needs
Your haworthia cooperi loves bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it gets about 6-8 hours of gentle sunlight each day. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves and turn them red or black. If you see your cooperi stretching or looking pale, it needs more light. The best light intensity is between 6,000 and 12,000 lux. Start with less light and slowly increase it so your plant can adjust. After shipping, let your cooperi rest in a bright spot out of direct sun for a few days. This helps it recover from travel stress and keeps the color looking fresh.
Watering
Watering is key for healthy haworthia. During the main growth period (fall to spring), water deeply once a week or when the top two inches of soil feel dry. In summer, water moderately and let the soil dry out between waterings. When winter comes, cut back to once a month or only when the leaves start to shrivel. Overwatering can cause yellow, mushy leaves and root rot. Underwatering makes the leaves wrinkled and yellow. Always check the soil before watering.
Soil Choice
Choose a well-draining soil for your cooperi. A cactus or succulent mix works well. Add perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to help water drain fast. Good drainage keeps roots healthy and stops rot. Since your haworthia comes without a pot, pick one with drainage holes.
Temperature
Keep your haworthia between 68°F and 72°F for best growth. It likes warm days and cool nights. In spring and fall, aim for 68°F to 78°F during the day and 50°F to 60°F at night. In winter, it can handle cooler temps but not below 40°F. Here’s a helpful chart:
Fertilizing
Haworthia cooperi does not need much fertilizer. Feed it once or twice a year in spring and fall with a half-strength succulent fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can hurt your plant. If you see yellow leaves or slow growth, your cooperi may need a little boost. These haworthia care tips will help your plant stay healthy and colorful.
Tip: The color of your cooperi may change with light and care. With patience, you’ll see it return to its best look.
Growth Tips
Light Optimization
You want your haworthia to look its best. Give it 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. Place your plant near an eastern or western window. Morning sun works well, but avoid harsh afternoon rays. If you notice leaves stretching or turning pale, move your haworthia cooperi to a brighter spot. Grow lights help when natural light is low. Too much sun can make leaves yellow or brown, while too little light causes loose growth and a non-compact shape.
- Place haworthia in a bright window, but not in full sun.
- Use a grow light if your room is dark.
- Watch for color changes in the leaves.
Tip: If leaves look pale or yellow, try moving your plant to a spot with gentle morning sunlight.
Watering Techniques
Watering helps your haworthia thrive. During the main growth period, water deeply once a week. Check if the top two inches of soil feel dry before you water. Bottom watering works well because it encourages roots to grow down and stay healthy. Avoid watering when temperatures go above 86°F or below 68°F. Use a soil mix that holds moisture but does not stay soggy. This keeps roots strong and prevents rot.
Soil Mix
A good soil mix makes a big difference for your succulent. Experts suggest using equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. You can add shredded bark or compost for extra nutrients. Perlite and pumice help with drainage and aeration, which keeps roots healthy. This mix lets water flow through quickly and stops the soil from getting compacted.
- Mix potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite in equal parts.
- Add bark or compost if you want more nutrients.
- Make sure your pot has drainage holes.
Feeding Schedule
Feed your haworthia once or twice a year during spring and fall. Use a diluted succulent fertilizer. Only fertilize mature plants. A slow-release fertilizer works best. During the active growth period, regular feeding helps with flowering and pup production. Cut back on fertilizer in autumn as your plant gets ready for winter.
Note: Too much fertilizer can harm your haworthia, so less is more.
Growth Mistakes
Overwatering
You might think your haworthia needs lots of water, but too much can hurt it. Overwatering is the most common mistake with this succulent. Watch out for these signs:
- Droopy leaves that look sad and limp.
- Mushy or translucent leaves.
- Roots that turn brown and rot.
- Leaves that feel soft and mushy.
- Yellowing leaves.
- Pests like fungus gnats buzzing around.
- Stunted growth.
If you see these problems, stop watering right away. Let the soil dry out before you water again. Your haworthia cooperi likes to stay on the dry side.
Tip: Always check the soil before watering. Dry soil means your plant is ready for a drink.
Poor Soil
Soil matters a lot for haworthia. If you use heavy or compacted soil, roots can’t breathe. Poor soil keeps your plant from getting the nutrients it needs. Roots may suffocate and rot, and your haworthia will stop growing. Choose a well-draining mix to keep your plant healthy.
Low Light
Haworthia loves bright, indirect light. If you keep your plant in a dark spot, it will lose its glass-like look and turn pale. Low light makes the leaves stretch and look weak. Move your haworthia to a brighter place if you notice these changes.
Neglecting Fertilizer
You don’t need to feed haworthia cooperi often, but skipping fertilizer for years can slow growth. Use a gentle succulent fertilizer once or twice a year. This helps your plant stay strong and colorful.
Propagation
Separating Pups
You can grow new haworthia cooperi plants by separating pups from the main plant. Pups are small offsets that form around the base. Wait until these pups reach about 2 inches tall before you remove them. Gently wiggle the pup away from the parent plant. Try not to damage the roots. After you separate the pup, let it dry out for two or three days. This helps the cut area callous and keeps it safe from rot.
Tip: Use clean hands or tools when you separate pups. This keeps your plant healthy and free from infection.
- Wait for pups to grow to at least 2 inches tall.
- Gently remove the pup from the parent plant.
- Let the pup dry in a well-ventilated spot for a few days.
Rooting Process
After the pup has dried, you can start the rooting process. Place the pup in a small pot with well-draining succulent soil. Put the pot in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Water the soil lightly just once. Then, wait for roots to develop. This usually takes a few weeks. Avoid watering too much during this time. Too much water can cause root rot.
- Use a small pot with succulent soil.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Propagating haworthia is the quickest way to get new plants. You just need a little patience. Soon, you’ll see roots and new growth.
You now know haworthia grows slowly, but you can help it thrive. Give your haworthia cooperi bright light, good soil, and water during the peak growth period. Stay patient and keep up with care. You will see healthy leaves and new pups before you know it!
FAQ
How often should you repot Haworthia cooperi?
You only need to repot every two to three years. Choose a new pot when roots fill the old one or soil looks tired.
Why are your Haworthia’s leaves turning brown?
Brown leaves usually mean too much sun or not enough water. Move your plant to a shadier spot and check the soil moisture.
Can you grow Haworthia cooperi outdoors?
Yes, you can grow it outside if temperatures stay above 40°F. Keep it in a spot with bright, indirect light and shelter from heavy rain.