Haworthia can tolerate low light and requires little maintenance, so it is a popular indoor succulent. Haworthia is easy to reproduce and produce side shoots, and it will become crowded after a few years of maintenance. So, at this time, should we report, divide, or let Haworthia grow naturally? Read the blog below to find the answer for you.

Why must Crowded Haworthia be separated?

If your Haworthia becomes crowded, it is likely that competition for soil nutrients between plants will further lead to nutrient deficiency, and the roots of Haworthia will become too messy and easy to cause root rot. Because crowded spaces will form air circulation, Haworthia will easily breed mold and pests. Because of these reasons, Haworthia's growth rate will also slow down.

So, Crowded Haworthia must be separated. Separating succulents can get sufficient nutrients, ventilation, and light, which can further increase the growth rate of Haworthia and keep Haworthia healthy.

How to separate Crowded Haworthia

So, if we want to separate Crowded Haworthia, should we report or divide it?

Although Haworthia can receive more nutrients after repotting, the offsets are still compact, and the airflow of Haworthia cannot be fully solved. Therefore, it is recommended that Haworthia be divided into many offsets and then planted and maintained separately.

Methods for dividing Crowded Haworthia

Preparation: New pots, well-drained succulent soil, trowel, clean scissors or knife (for division)

De-soiling: Gently remove the Crowded Haworthia from the pot. If necessary, tap the sides of the pot to easily loosen the soil.

Separation of divisions: Carefully separate the Haworthia offsets from the mother Haworthia at the root.

Prepare for division: Prune the dead or damaged roots of Haworthia.

Dry the wound: Then, put the Haworthia offsets in a ventilated place to dry the wound. This stage takes about 2-3 days.

Panting in Soil or hydroponics

In addition to the traditional soil planting, Haworthia is also very suitable for hydroponics. You can plant Haworthia using your favorite maintenance method.

Panting in Soil: Wait for the wound of Haworthia to dry and choose a pot that is about 10% larger than the diameter of Haworthia offsets. Fill the pot with a special mixed soil for succulents. Then, plant Haworthia offsets in the new pot.

Before Haworthia takes root in the new flower pot, you can use a sprayer to water it to keep the soil slightly moist and keep it under bright indirect light during this period. Whether Haworthia has taken root can be judged by gently pulling it to see if there is resistance. 

After Haworthia takes root, you can resume the normal watering method, that is, soak and dry watering method, and gradually increase the light time and intensity.

Hydroponics: First, choose a narrow-mouthed transparent container. Because the water surface cannot touch Haworthia, you need to choose a narrow-mouthed container. In order to observe whether the water is clean and whether it needs to be replaced and to be able to observe the roots of Haworthia, choose a transparent container.

Then pour clean purified water into the glass container, with the standard being just below the lowest surface of the Haworthia placed in the container. Then, place the Haworthia in a cool, ventilated place and gradually increase the light. Hydroponic Haworthia requires regular water changes, about every 1-2 weeks.

Conclusion

Crowded Haworthia will affect and limit the health and growth rate of succulents. You can get a lot of Haworthia by separating Crowded Haworthia into offsets and choosing to grow it hydroponically or in soil. You can then check your Haworthia regularly to make sure it is thriving. If you find it getting crowded again, consider repeating the process!