haworthia limifolia

La haworthia limifolia It is a small succulent, perfect for decorating terraces and balconies, and even for filling those empty spaces on the table (something that happens quickly when you are a collector  ).

The maintenance of this plant is very simple, since it resists drought and high temperatures well, and It does not usually have major disease or pest problems.

Origin and characteristics of haworthia limifolia

Our protagonist is a species of non-cactus succulent that belongs to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family. It is native to South Africa, and is popularly known as crocodile skin. It develops more or less triangular, leathery, greenish leaves with a size of 3 to 10cm long by 2-4cm wide.. These form compact rosettes, about 12cm in diameter, from the center of which sprouts a simple 35cm tall inflorescence. The flowers are whitish in color, and are about 14mm long.

His scientific name is haworthia limifolia, which was given to him by Hermann Wilhelm Rudolf Marloth in 1910.

There are three varieties:

• Haworthia limifolia var. gigantic
• Haworthia limifolia var. limifolia
• Haworthia limifolia var. ubomboensis

What are the care of the haworthia limifolia?

If you dare to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

Climate

Every time you go to buy a plant, it is highly recommended to first find out if it supports the climate in your area, especially if you plan to have it outdoors. Although haworthia are succulents that by not wanting direct sun they can grow well inside the house, the truth is that they develop better if they are outdoors, in a bright area.

Therefore, and taking this into account, the ideal climate for them is warm-temperate, with high temperatures in summer and very mild in winter.

Earth

La haworthia limifolia It is a species that can be grown both in pots and in the garden, so the soil will not be the same:

• Flower pot: advisable to fill it with pumice. In mobs it goes well, but only if it is watered very occasionally since in these cases the risk of rotting is much higher.
• Garden: the land must have excellent drainage; If it does not have it, make a planting hole of about 40x40cm, and fill it with pumice.

Irrigation

As we mentioned before, it is a plant that you have to water sporadically, especially if it is kept in peat. To avoid problems, the soil should be allowed to dry completely before watering it again. In addition, if it is grown in a pot, you should not put a plate under it, nor should you put it in a pot or pot without holes.

We will use rainwater, suitable for human consumption or, failing that, one that does not have much lime (pH 6-7).

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From early spring to late summer It must be paid with a specific fertilizer for cacti and other succulents following the instructions specified on the package. You can also pay it with blue nitrophoska, adding a small spoonful (of the coffee ones) every 15 days.

Multiplication

La haworthia limifolia multiplies by seeds and separation of suckers in spring-summer. Let's know how:

Seeds

It is advisable to sow the seeds in pots that are wider than they are tall, or in cork trays that have had some holes made at the base with the tip of a pair of scissors or a knife.

It is filled with black peat mixed with quartz sand, watered, and finally the seeds are placed on the surface, trying not to pile them up.

Keeping the substrate always humid (but not flooded), they will germinate in about 10 days at a temperature of about 20-25ºC.

Young

Haworthia have a great tendency to produce suckers. When these reach a size of about 3-5 centimeters, they can be separated from the mother plant with care and planted in individual pots with pomx.

Then, they are placed outside, in semi-shade, watered, and then you have to wait  . In a few days you will notice growth, a clear sign that they have survived the transplant.

Planting or transplanting time

If you want to plant it in the garden, or if you see that it has already occupied the entire pot and / or roots are growing out of the drainage holes, you have to transplant it in spring, when the frosts have passed.

Plagues and diseases

It is quite sturdy, but can be affected by snails, and some mealybugs. Since the plant is small, you can remove them by hand or treat it with diatomaceous earth.

If it is watered excessively or the environment is very humid, the fungi will damage it. To avoid this, let the soil dry between waterings, and do not spray / mist it with water.

Rusticity

It resists weak and occasional frosts of up to -2ºCAlthough the hail damages its leaves, which is why it is recommended to protect it in a greenhouse or indoors.

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