Origin
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda is a plant native to the southern region of Africa, particularly in the Northern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa.
Common Names
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda is commonly known as the Haworthia, succulent, or window plant. Other common names include star cactus, pearl plant, and cushion aloe.
Uses
The Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda is popularly grown as a houseplant due to its low maintenance and unique appearance. It is commonly grown in small pots or in miniature gardens. Its small and compact size makes it ideal for small spaces or as a tabletop ornament. Some people also believe that the Haworthia plant brings good luck and wards off negative energy.
General Appearance
The Haworthia viscosa subspecies dereki-clarki Halda has thick succulent leaves arranged in a rosette-shaped pattern. The leaves are dark green in color and are covered in white waxy tubercles. The Haworthia plant typically grows up to six inches in height, and its flowers are small and white. The overall appearance of the plant is reminiscent of an aloe vera plant, with its thick leaves and compact size.
Light Requirements
The Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda is a plant that thrives well in indirect sunlight. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in a bright spot or shaded area in the house, such as near a window to allow access to indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
For the Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda plant to grow optimally, it requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It is advisable to use succulent soil and add perlite or sand in the soil mixture to enhance drainage and aeration.
Watering Requirements
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda needs regular watering but not frequently. In general, water only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid overwatering as it might lead to root rot. It is also essential to apply water at the base of the plant to avoid rotting of the stem and the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda tolerates a range of temperatures, but it is ideal to keep it in warm temperatures. The plant thrives well when the temperature range is between 65-80 degrees F (18-26 degrees C). Avoid exposing the plant to extreme cold or heat, as it may lead to deforming or loss of leaves.
Cultivation method:
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda is commonly grown as a houseplant worldwide. It is an easy-to-care-for plant, and it requires little maintenance. The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and a well-draining potting mix. It is best to keep the plant in a small pot as it prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Watering needs:
This plant needs watering only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause the roots of the plant to rot. It is best to water the plant from underneath by filling the saucer at the bottom of the pot. This prevents the leaves from getting wet, which can cause rot.
Fertilization:
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda does not require frequent fertilization. It is best to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, which is from spring to summer. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal for this plant.
Pruning:
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda does not require much pruning. However, dead or yellow leaves should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. If the plant is outgrowing its pot, it can be divided and repotted in the spring.
Propagation of Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda
Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda can be propagated by three primary methods:
Leaf Cutting Propagation
Leaf cuttings can be used to propagate Haworthia viscosa. Using a sharp, sterile blade, carefully remove a leaf from the healthy plant. Allow the leaf to dry for a few days until a callous forms on the cutting surface. Place the cutting into a suitable potting mix and keep it slightly moist. In a few weeks, new roots should emerge, and a new plantlet should appear.
Offsets Propagation
Haworthia viscosa also produces offsets or "pups" that are easily detached from the parent plant. Choose an offset with a sufficient root system and pot in well-draining soil. Keep the offsets slightly moist and in bright, indirect light. Once established, the plant can be treated like any other Haworthia viscosa plant.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another possible way to propagate Haworthia viscosa (L.) Haw. subsp. dereki-clarki Halda. It is advisable to use fresh seeds because older seeds may not germinate well. Sow the seeds thinly on top of a well-draining seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand and provide a suitable environment for germination. Keep the soil slightly moist, warm, and bright, and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Like all plants, Haworthia viscosa subsp. dereki-clarki Halda is susceptible to different diseases, which can affect their growth, appearance and general health. Here are some common diseases that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Crown and Root Rot
Crown and root rot are common diseases that affect succulents, including Haworthia viscosa subsp. dereki-clarki Halda. The main cause of this disease is excess moisture which leads to fungal growth. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure that the plant is not over-watered, well-drained soil is used, and to reduce the humidity around the plant. If the plant is affected, remove it from the soil, clean the roots, and replant in fresh, well-drained soil.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot disease is caused by bacteria or fungi that cause dark, water-soaked areas on the plants' leaves. It can occur when the plant is kept too wet or in humid conditions. To manage this disease, remove any affected leaves and increase the airflow around the plant by moving it to a well-ventilated area. Fungicides can also be applied to the plant to control the disease.
Pest Management
Pests can be detrimental to the growth and survival of Haworthia viscosa subsp. dereki-clarki Halda. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of plants like Haworthia viscosa subsp. dereki-clarki Halda. They cause discoloration, webs, and in severe cases, defoliation. To manage this pest, remove any affected leaves and increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to control the pest.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that form cottony masses on the plant. They suck the sap from the leaves, leading to the plant's stunted growth and yellowing. To manage this pest, remove any visible insects with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling the pest.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the plant and feed on sap. They can cause the plant to wilt and experience stunted growth. To manage this pest, scrape off any visible scales with a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to control the pest.
