Scientific Name
Haworthia truncata Schönland
Common Name(s)
Horse's Teeth
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "truncata" (pronounced "trunk-AH-tuh") means "maimed, mutilated" and refers to the leaf tips of this species, which end abruptly with a flat window.
Origin
Haworthia truncata is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Little Karoo winter rainfall region in the Western Cape province.
Description
Haworthia truncata is a small succulent plant with gray or gray-green leaves that are nearly rectangular in cross-section and have a rough upper surface, giving the impression of being cut. It can grow slowly to a height of up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) with a spread of 4 inches (10 cm). The leaves are more or less upright, tightly appressed, and arranged in 2 opposite rows.
The small white flowers appear on slender stalks that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, mainly in late spring.
Varieties and Forms of Haworthia truncata
- Haworthia truncata var. maughanii
- Haworthia truncata var. minor (not accepted)
- Haworthia truncata var. truncata
- Haworthia truncata f. crassa
- Haworthia truncata f. variegata
Cultivars and Hybrids of Haworthia truncata
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia truncata
Light: Place the potted plant in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day. White, yellow, or red-tinged leaves usually indicate that your H. truncata receives too much sunlight. Deep shade tends to weaken the plant over a prolonged period. If your plant has spent the winter indoors, gradually move it outdoors into the bright sun to prevent sunburn.
Soil: Like all Haworthias, this plant does not tolerate its roots remaining wet for prolonged periods, so the soil should be well-drained. You can use a commercial potting mix for succulents or make your own.
Hardiness: This succulent prefers warmer temperatures in the summer but tolerates cooler temperatures in the winter. However, it does not like being too cold. H. truncata can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: In spring and fall, when growth is most active, water H. truncata thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plant less during the winter, when its growth slows significantly. When this plant is mostly dormant during the hottest summer months, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: H. truncata does not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilizing is a good idea. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season.
Repotting: This slow-growing succulent can stay in the same pot for years. To keep your plant healthy and happy, repot H. truncata into fresh soil every two to three years, preferably in the spring or fall. Repotting time is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
Propagation: Vegetative propagation, especially by offsets, is the quickest and most common method of propagating H. truncata. However, this plant can also be propagated by leaves and seeds. Remove the offsets when they have started developing roots. Sow seeds in spring or fall in a well-draining soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Toxicity of Haworthia truncata
H. truncata is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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