How to Care for and Cultivate Haworthia Magnifica var. Atrofusca

Haworthia Magnifica var. Atrofusca is a distinctive variety (a tissue-cultured variant of Red Line Shou) that looks very attractive when in good condition. Its windows exhibit a semi-transparent characteristic, and the veins are faintly visible. The color of the leaves also changes with sunlight. The succulent Haworthia Magnifica var. Atrofusca is a variant of the Yu Lu variety and typically appears semi-transparent. Its care methods are similar to those of Yu Lu.


Temperature: It prefers a warm, dry, semi-shaded environment, is intolerant to cold, dislikes high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight, and is averse to water. The optimal temperature for growth is between 18°C and 22°C. It thrives in environments with warm winters and cool summers. During hot summers, Haworthia Magnifica var. Atrofusca enters a dormant or semi-dormant state, with slow or halted growth. It should be maintained in well-ventilated, cool, and dry conditions while avoiding prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and rain. In winter, nighttime temperatures should be around 8°C, and daytime temperatures above 20°C to sustain growth. Watering should be normal during this time, but if watering is restricted, Haworthia Magnifica var. Atrofusca may enter a dormant state.

Light: It is sensitive to light. Excessive sunlight can result in poor leaf growth, a light reddish-brown color, and sometimes sunburn marks on the leaves. Conversely, excessively shaded conditions can lead to loose, non-compact plant structures, elongated leaves, and reduced transparency of the "windows." It is challenging to restore the original appearance of such Haworthia Magnifica var. Atrofusca plants. Placing plants in semi-shaded areas results in thick, plump leaves with high transparency. Therefore, from May to September, adding a layer of shading net is advisable, while from October to April of the following year, the shading net should be removed to provide full sunlight.

Soil: It thrives in loose, fertile, well-draining, sandy soils with a high lime content and coarse particle size. A common planting mixture consists of two parts leaf mold, three parts coarse sand or pumice, and a small amount of bone meal. Premium varieties such as "Yu Lu Shou Jin" and "Mao Yu Lu" can also be planted in synthetic materials such as red jade soil, orchid stone, and plant gold stone, with a suitable amount of peat added to increase soil organic matter content.

Watering: During the growth period, adhere to the principle of watering when the soil is dry and watering thoroughly, avoiding waterlogging and prolonged rainfall. However, prolonged drought should also be avoided, as it results in wilted leaves and dull leaf color. When the air is dry, regularly spraying water on the plant and surrounding environment is beneficial. During the growth season, covering the plant with the upper half of a transparent, colorless beverage bottle creates a humid environment, promoting fuller leaves and higher window transparency. However, in hot summer weather, the bottle should be removed to prevent plant death due to heat and humidity.

Fertilization: During the growth period, vigorously growing plants can be fertilized with diluted organic liquid fertilizer or low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium compound fertilizer once a month. Newly potted plants or weak plants do not require fertilization. Fertilization is also unnecessary during the summer heat or the low temperatures of winter dormancy. Fertilization should ideally be done on clear mornings or evenings.