Care of the succulent plant Haworthia retusa or Star Cactus |
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The genus Haworthia, family Asphodelaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Haworthia retusa, Haworthia reinwardtii, Haworthia pumila, Haworthia marumiana, Haworthia limifolia, Haworthia herbacea, Haworthia attenuata, Haworthia angustifolia, Haworthia variegata, Haworthia fasciata, Haworthia cooperi, Haworthia arachnoidea, Haworthia cuspidata, Haworthia viscosa, Haworthia turgida, Haworthia truncata. Common name: Star Cactus. Scientific synonyms: Catevala retusa, Aloe retusa. This species is native to Cape Province, South Africa. They are small succulent plants with short, compact star-shaped rosettes that usually produce suckers. The leaves can be ovate, deltoid or triangular and lime green, dark green or bright green; They have translucent areas on the curved tips. The white flowers are very small and appear on long flower stalks up to 30 cm (11.8") high; they have no ornamental interest. They are used in pots that are wider than they are tall as indoor, greenhouse, terrace or balcony plants and in mini gardens for cacti and succulents combined with Haworthias, Mammillarias or Rebutias. Haworthia retusa can grow in full sun exposure (it will have reddish tones) but prefers a semi-shadow or dimmed light exposure. They resist light frosts if the substrate is dry. The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents with 20% coarse sand. Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry. Never water or place a plate under the pot. The humidity must be low; good ventilation is desirable. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. The biggest enemy of these plants is excess humidity. They propagate from seeds, by leaf cuttings or by separating suckers in summer or spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Haworthia retusa or Star Cactus |
 Haworthia retusa  Haworthia retusa  Haworthia retusa  Haworthia retusa |