Haworthia retusa is a small, slow-growing succulent with triangular, translucent leaves that bend backward and form a rosette shape. It can be grown indoors, with small white flowers appearing in the spring and summer. Offsets may form as it grows, creating clumps.
Table of Contents
Care and Propagation Information
Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” is an ideal choice for rock gardens or windowsills. Its green, windowed leaves absorb sunlight, similar to Fenestraria rhopalophylla “Baby Toes”.
Watering
It is advisable to use the “soak and dry” method for watering “Star Cactus,” a typical succulent. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it is best to plant the Star Cactus in a container that can be brought indoors. It will thrive in both full and partial sunlight, and is especially suited for indoor environments.
How to Propagate Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus”
The Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” can be reproduced by taking cuttings of its stems and by removing offsets.
Cuttings
To propagate “Star Cactus,” start by taking a cutting from the main plant with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callous for a few days before planting it in a potting mix with good drainage. Make sure to water the soil only when it is completely dry.
Offsets
Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” can generate tiny offshoots around its base. Pull the offshoots up and let them dry for one or two days before putting them in soil that drains well.
To reword, instead of saying “I’m not sure what to do,” one could say “I’m uncertain of my next step.”
Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus”
Watering
It is advisable to use the “soak and dry” method for watering “Star Cactus,” a typical succulent. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it is best to plant the Star Cactus in a container that can be brought indoors. It will thrive in both full and partial sunlight, and is especially suited for indoor environments.
How to Propagate Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus”
The Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” can be reproduced by taking cuttings of its stems and by removing offsets.
Cuttings
To propagate “Star Cactus,” start by taking a cutting from the main plant with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callous for a few days before planting it in a potting mix with good drainage. Make sure to water the soil only when it is completely dry.
Offsets
Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” can generate tiny offshoots around its base. Pull the offshoots up and let them dry for one or two days before putting them in soil that drains well.
To reword, instead of saying “I’m not sure what to do,” one could say “I’m uncertain of my next step.”
FAQ
Is Haworthia Retusa a cactus?
Haworthia retusa is a perennial soft window succulent native to South Africa and is commonly referred to as Star Cactus, even though it is not a cactus.
How do you care for haworthia Retusa?
Once it is clean and free of soil, you can repot the succulent in fresh soil. Make sure to water it properly and keep up a healthy watering routine while it grows.
How often do you water Haworthia Retusa?
Caring for a Haworthia retusa can be a challenge, as it doesn’t require frequent watering like other succulents. For this reason, many owners may accidentally overwater the plant. To prevent this, be sure to let the soil dry out between each watering. In the summertime, it’s best to water the soil sparingly.
Does Haworthia need cactus soil?
For Haworthia and other succulents to thrive, the soil should be a mix of 30-50% pumice or perlite and a good starting substrate is Organic Cactus mix. Sand can be added to improve drainage, however, it is important to use a coarse sand that won’t compact the soil.
How tall does haworthia Retusa get?
The Haworthia Retusa succulent is known for its slow growth rate, yet it produces stunning green rosette-shaped leaves that are aesthetically pleasing. This small succulent generally reaches a maximum size of 3 inches tall and 3 inches wide.