Haworthia kikuhigasa

Botanical Name — Haworthia kikuhigasa

Plant Family — Aloaceae

Background

Lime green with red blush, Haworthia kikuhigasa looks like a terrestrial sea anemone. Vaguely translucent, the leaves will blaze neon when in direct sun. Though haworthias are typically native to South Africa, this plant is a nursery cultivar originally bred in Japan. Its rosette structure occasionally produces offshoots, which can be separated from the mother plant and potted again.

Growth Requirements

Sun

• Haworthia kikuhigasa prefers bright indirect light to maintain its lush look. It can tolerate a small amount of direct sunlight. Keep it in a north- or east-facing window.

Temperature/ Humidity

• Haworthias can tolerate high temperatures in the 70s and 80s or higher. They are not cold hardy, however. Avoid temperatures below 50 ºF.

Water

• In the spring and summer months, water them thoroughly, fully saturating the soil. Always allow the soil to dry out completely in between waterings.
• If you are unsure whether or not the soil is dry, wait a few days before watering. It is much better to underwater than overwater. Excessive moisture can quickly lead to root rot.
• In the winter, ease up on watering even more and keep the humidity low.

Soil/Roots

• Haworthia kikuhigasa grows best in a fast draining soil mix. Use cacti or succulent soil, or amend potting soil with sand or pumice up to 50% to improve drainage.

Flowering

• The plant sends out tall spikes with small white flowers in Autumn.

Fertilization

• Haworthias do not require fertilization. If you want to give them a boost, it is ok to fertilize sparingly, no more than once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength, or one specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.

Propagation

• Haworthias are easily propagated by the removal of offshoots or by leaf cuttings.

Health

Diseases

• Haworthia are not especially prone to pests and diseases. Root rot can easily occur if the plant is overwatered. Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealybugs and scale.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• Little to no maintenance is required to care for Haworthia kikuhigasa. Repotting should be done infrequently as they have shallow root systems and prefer to be root bound. Once every two to three years up-pot Haworthia kikuhigasa into a container about two inches larger in diameter.

Toxicity

• Haworthia kikuhigasa is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it should not be consumed.