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Haworthia Care (Zebra Plant)

Haworthia zebra plant with white-striped pointed leaves

Haworthia and Haworthiopsis (zebra plant)

At a glance

β˜€οΈ Light Bright indirect. Handles less light than most succulents.
πŸ’§ Water When the soil is completely dry.
πŸͺ΄ Soil Gritty: our Arid Potting Mix.
🌑️ Temp 10–30Β°C.
πŸ’¨ Humidity Dry is fine.
🐾 Pets Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
🌱 Care level Beginner Pet safe Small spaces
πŸ“ Grows to 5–15 cm.

Haworthias are small, slow-growing succulents with striped, spiky or translucent-tipped rosettes. Unlike most succulents, they're happy with bright indirect light, which makes them ideal for windowsills, desks and offices. They're pet safe, too.

On this page
  1. Light + placement
  2. Watering
  3. Soil + repotting
  4. Feeding + upkeep
  5. Common problems
  6. Varieties we carry
  7. FAQ
  8. Care kit

Light + placement

Bright, indirect light, or a little gentle morning sun. Strong afternoon sun can turn them red or brown. In low light the rosettes stretch and lose their tight shape.

Victoria tip: Haworthias grow mostly in spring and fall and slow down in summer heat and winter. In our dim winters, water about once a month.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, then let it drain. Overwatering causes rot at the base. Water less in summer and winter when growth slows.

Haworthia 'Tiki Zilla' rosette
Haworthia 'Tiki Zilla' rosette

Soil + repotting

A gritty, fast-draining mix like our Arid Potting Mix in a small pot with a drainage hole. Repot every 2–3 years, separating pups if you like.

Let us do it: Bring it in and we'll repot it for $1 per inch of pot ($2–$10), plus soil and a new pot if you need one. How to Repot a Houseplant

Feeding + upkeep

Feed once or twice in spring at quarter strength. Remove dry, papery lower leaves.

Pups

Haworthias make offsets (pups) around the base. When repotting, gently separate pups with a few roots and pot them on their own. See Propagation 101.

Common problems

What you see Likely cause What to do
Soft, mushy base Overwatering Let it dry; repot in fresh gritty mix.
Leaves turning red or brown Too much sun Move to bright indirect light.
Stretched, loose rosette Low light Move closer to a window.
Shrivelled leaves Thirsty Water deeply.
Dry lower leaves Normal ageing Remove them gently.

Varieties we carry

We carry assorted haworthias, from the classic zebra plant to collectors' types. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.

Haworthia Haworthia from $8.99 ● In stock Haworthia Cooperi sp. Haworthia Cooperi sp. from $6.00 ● In stock

Shop all Succulents β†’

Frequently asked questions

Is haworthia safe for pets?

Yes. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Can haworthia live without direct sun?

Yes. It's one of the few succulents happy in bright indirect light.

How often should I water it?

Only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 2–4 weeks.

Is a zebra plant the same as haworthia?

Yes. The striped 'zebra plant' is a Haworthiopsis, a close relative.

Haworthia care kit

Still stuck? Bring it in.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11–5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β†’

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