Haworthia cooperi var. truncata is a perennial herb of the Sedum genus. The plant is stemless, initially solitary, and gradually forms clusters. The leaves are green, fleshy, with the upper half translucent or semi-translucent, forming "windows" for photosynthesis. The inflorescence is cymose, with small white flowers.
Haworthia cooperi var. truncata prefers cool, semi-shaded environments and becomes very translucent after increasing air humidity. It is mini and lovely, suitable for miniature landscaping. It's better to use smaller pots. The main growth period is in the relatively cool spring and autumn seasons, requiring some air humidity. It is drought-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, avoiding high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. It dislikes being shaded and waterlogged. As the name suggests, Haworthia cooperi var. truncata flowers are petite, translucent, and pale in color, making them adorable succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family. The tips of their leaves (aptly referred to by enthusiasts as "windows") are translucent or semi-translucent, glossy and round like jade stones in sunlight, which is what's meant by "window transparency."
Temperature: While Haworthia cooperi var. truncata can survive in environments ranging from 5°C to 40°C, this range is for survival only. Don't cruelly test its survival ability in extreme cold or heat. Just like a person, if you let them live in extremely cold or hot environments, even if they survive, their bodies will suffer damage or even various illnesses.
In summary, if you can provide a better environment for it, then act quickly. Any negligence or damage could be fatal for it. If not, try to improve, such as putting it behind other plants in summer or covering it with a plastic bag in winter.
Humidity: When talking about humidity, we'll talk about suffocation. There are many opinions among experts about suffocation. The benefits of suffocation include transparent "windows," lush and clean plants, and rapid growth. However, in a closed environment with a certain humidity level and lack of air circulation, not only does Haworthia cooperi var. truncata like it, but bacteria love it even more. There's also a particularly important downside: large temperature differences and rapid temperature changes in small enclosed environments.
Light: Light issues are similar to temperature issues. One thing to tell beginners here is that if the plant's color darkens, it means the light is too strong and shading is needed. If the plant shows signs of elongation, it needs more light.
Soil: Haworthia cooperi var. truncata can survive in any soil, and some articles even suggest that it grows larger in pure peat. For experts, as long as the soil is not completely impermeable, it won't kill it. But for a semi-newbie, they might choose fully granular, ceramic pots. Even if it's not well taken care of, it definitely won't die, even if you water it every day.
Propagation: There's only one point—when Haworthia cooperi var. truncata starts flowering and enthusiasts want to collect seeds, they need to cross-pollinate, and occasionally apply fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium.
Fertilization: Haworthia cooperi var. truncata is fertilized during its peak growth period. Some may ask, when is it most vigorous? The answer: when it's lush green.
Haworthia cooperi var. truncata care tips
Performance in different seasons
The suitable temperature for Haworthia cooperi var. truncata growth is between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, with humidity between 70-90%. Taking Shanghai as an example, the spring and autumn seasons are suitable for growth, and the plant grows rapidly. However, the plant's internal juice may not be fully filled, appearing like an unfilled balloon, and the window's glossiness is slightly low. In summer, with high temperatures, Haworthia cooperi var. truncata enters dormancy, and the transparency of the window decreases. In winter, indoor temperatures should be kept above 5 degrees Celsius, with slow growth resembling a half-dormant state. The plant's internal juice is full, resembling a fully inflated balloon, with the highest glossiness and transparency.
Watering in different seasons
In spring and autumn, when the temperature is suitable, if you observe vigorous growth, indicating strong roots, you can water the soil after it dries out, then remove excess moisture from the soil in a ventilated area.
In spring, you can also cover Haworthia cooperi var. truncata with a colorless and transparent plastic bottle cut in half to create a moist environment for growth.
In summer, with high temperatures, Haworthia cooperi var. truncata enters dormancy. At this time, the root hairs are dry and unable to absorb water, so it's best to stop watering. You can spray the plant in the evening to relieve dryness.
In summer, high temperatures and humidity are fatal to Haworthia cooperi var. truncata, so ventilation and cooling are the main priorities. You should remove the soda bottle to avoid excessive heat and moisture leading to plant death.
No fertilization is needed during Haworthia cooperi var. truncata's dormancy.
Autumn care for Haworthia cooperi var. truncata
Autumn, like spring, is a period of vigorous growth for Haworthia cooperi var. truncata. Follow the principle of "no watering when the soil is not dry, but thoroughly water when watering," and after watering, remove excess moisture from the soil in a ventilated area before suffocating.
Winter care for Haworthia cooperi var. truncata
Haworthia cooperi var. truncata grows slowly in winter, with temperatures ideally kept above 10°C, and the soil slightly moist. However, temperatures should not drop below 5°C, or the leaves will frostbite.
Winter is the best time for Haworthia cooperi var. truncata to be suffocated, as it can maintain normal watering. If watering is reduced, Haworthia cooperi var. truncata will enter dormancy.
Light: Haworthia cooperi var. truncata prefers environments with abundant sunlight, but in high temperatures in summer, direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorching. In spring and autumn, you can place Haworthia cooperi var. truncata on a sunny windowsill or balcony to allow it to receive sufficient sunlight. In winter, due to weaker sunlight, you can appropriately increase the lighting time to promote plant growth.
Water: Haworthia cooperi var. truncata prefers a dry environment and does not require much water. When watering, ensure that the soil remains moist but not overly wet to avoid root rot. Generally, water every 2-3 days in spring and summer, and every 4-5 days in autumn and winter. When watering, avoid pouring water directly onto the leaves to prevent them from being washed away.
Temperature: Haworthia cooperi var. truncata has strong adaptability and can tolerate various temperature environments. However, the optimal temperature range is 15-25 degrees Celsius. Within this range, Haworthia cooperi var. truncata grows most vigorously. In high temperatures in summer, pay attention to ventilation and cooling to avoid damage to the plant. In low temperatures in winter, pay attention to keeping warm to avoid frostbite of the leaves.
Fertilization: During the growth period of Haworthia cooperi var. truncata, sufficient nutrients are needed. During maintenance, organic fertilizer can be applied every half month to promote plant growth. When fertilizing, avoid directly sprinkling fertilizer on the leaves to prevent burning. Dilute the fertilizer and pour it into the soil for the plant to absorb slowly.
Pruning: Haworthia cooperi var. truncata grows slowly and generally does not require pruning. However, for aesthetic purposes, occasional pruning can be done. When pruning, use scissors to trim the overly long branches to maintain a compact plant shape. Additionally, pruning can be used to adjust the plant's shape for a more pleasing appearance.
Propagation: Propagating Haworthia cooperi var. truncata is relatively simple and can be done through methods such as cutting and division. When cutting, select healthy, mature branches as cuttings, insert them into the soil, keep the soil moist, and roots will develop in about a month. When dividing, remove the plant from the pot, use a knife to divide it into several parts, and then plant them separately in new soil.
Disease and pest control: Although Haworthia cooperi var. truncata is relatively resistant to diseases and pests, it's still important to observe the plant's growth status during maintenance. Once signs of disease or pests are found, take timely measures for prevention and control. Biological pesticides or household insecticides can be sprayed to reduce the impact of diseases and pests on the plant.