Haworthia TORTUOSA

Haworthia TORTUOSA - Haworthia tortuosa.

Haworthia is a genus of miniature and dwarf succulent herbaceous plants in the subfamily Asphodeloideae. Many species are cultivated as indoor plants. The genus is named in honor of the English botanist Adrian Haworth.

A perennial evergreen succulent from South Africa with many slow-growing varieties. Plump leaves form a rosette up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter on a virtually absent stem. Different species of Haworthia vary primarily in leaf shape, color, and texture. Often, plants produce numerous offsets, forming dense mats or cushions.

Fleshy leaves of dark green color are situated either at soil level or on a short slightly elevated stem. Some varieties visually resemble Sempervivum. Many species have transparent window-like areas at leaf tips allowing light to penetrate internal tissues. In some haworthias, leaves are covered with white tuberculate outgrowths resembling hardened sugar icing. Leaf margins can be smooth, dentate, ciliate, or aristate. Small white flowers are typical of most species.

Haworthia tortuosa differs from other species by having a short stem whose height does not exceed fifteen centimeters (6 in). Small leaves up to three centimeters (1.2 in) long have a convex lower surface, an obliquely keeled shape, and dark green coloration. The foliage is completely covered with small tubercles.

Sowing is carried out on the surface of a cactus substrate, the container is covered with film, and the soil is moistened. Seeds are germinated at a temperature of about 22 °C (72 °F) in a bright place, avoiding direct sunlight. Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and desiccation of sowings must be avoided.

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Haworthia is considered quite an easy plant to grow. As with all succulents, the most common mistake is overwatering. To avoid these problems, a layer of drainage is added to the bottom of a wide shallow container, covered with a non-acidic well-drained substrate. In winter, watering is done only after the soil dries out; in other periods, the soil is kept slightly damp. Misting is not required.

Repotting is also unnecessary, as the plant thrives for many years in the same container. Haworthias require bright indirect light, tolerating direct sun only in spring and autumn. In summer, a weak solution of cactus and succulent fertilizer can be applied once a month.