Haworthia pumila

Spring-Summer · Indoors

Feed with high nitrogen feed

Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water to keep the soil moist

Water moderately from the period when growth starts (around April) until the early autumn (September).

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Don't water while dormant

Keep the compost or the plant tuber, rhizome or bulb completely dry when the plant is dormant.

The plant requires a rest period in order to thrive. Watering at this time may prevent dormancy, or may induce rot or disease.

Spring-Summer · Outdoors

Feed with high nitrogen feed

Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during drought

In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.

Established plants have a good degree of drought tolerance. Water after a prolonged period of drought. Many drought tolerant plants can rapidly revive, even when much of the foliage has died. They will respond with new growth.

Spring - early-mid · Planting

Divide when too large

The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, no direct sun

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.