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Haworthia attenuata
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Posted by joanp_2009 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 22, 09 at 15:14
| I received my very first haworthia, a tiny attenuata, as a bonus plant from an eBay seller. There were no roots. I put it in a 4" pot (the smallest I had) and buried it just far enough so it would stand up, and then watered it (oops?). It's been about 2 weeks now and I haven't watered it at all but I see that the white tubercles are turning dark. Have I killed it? If not, how can I save it? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| The harsh reality is that you probably did kill it. One of most confused issues for new succulent owners is about 'watering-in'. This is necessary for some plants, but it’s always a bad idea when planting succulents, and creates an open door for fungal infection. After taking a cutting, you need to let the cut callous by drying in the air for several days. There is no need to be in a hurry, succulents by nature carry enough water to last for weeks, if not months before they really need a drink. After callusing the cut, you can plant shallowly in dry soil and wait for roots to form. This is sometimes indicated by new growth, or you can just wait a few weeks or more, depending on the season. Unless it is a winter grower, it will not be quick to form new roots, and fall cuttings may not root until early spring. The only way to save your plant is to cut the stem above the level of rot. Keep cutting towards the growing point until the cross section is clear, free of dark colored fungus infected tissue. If you reach the end, and there is still rot, the plant is doomed. Then follow the advice above. Take it out of the pot, and inspect the stem and leaves. If there is any dark colored tissue, emergency surgery is necessary. If you can't salvage the plant, take it as a learning experience that you will never forget. Similarly, when you receive bare roots plants, put them in dry, loose, porous, and free-draining soil that is 75% or more inorganic material like pumice, perlite, or gravel from 1/8 to 3/8 inches. Then WAIT until you are sure the plant is stable, happy, and ready to grow before watering. Never be in a hurry to water any succulent. When in doubt, don't is rule number one. Ideal culture is called benign neglect. Only do something if you are sure the health (or survival) of the plant will suffer if you don't do something, like watering, or surgery. Best of health to you and your plants, Brad |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| Brad that was an excellent lesson, I wish I could write as well as you. I'll learn just keep posting. I know some of my Haworthia drop roots in the summer months, so I wait until new roots develope, I do remove old roots because I afraid that they may cause rot or mold. I also give them fresh soil. You gave excellent advise, Thank you Norma |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| You may also be able to root individual leaves. The more stem tissue attached to the leaf, the better your prospects. And this is another instance where the cut end of the leaf should be allowed to callus over before planting and watering. |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| Whenever I repot a cactus or succulent , I wait two weeks to water . Not sure if that's the right way to do it but it's always worked for me . : ) |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| several months ago I got some haworthia cuttings (5) and some still haven't rooted. How do I know this? Some critter keeps knocking them off the shelf! Grrr! Be patient! |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| Brad gave lots of good advice. I would pull it from the pot and see if any roots have formed. You'll also be able to tell if there's any rot. Of course, if it's beyond hope, it will probably begin to fall apart as you grip the plant. Can you tell us how it's doing? Denise in Omaha |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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Thanks to everyone who responded to my frantic plea for help.
My little plant didn't make it but, as Brad pointed out, it was a lesson I won't forget. I have had house plants for years but not watering them when I repot them is like, I don't know, like not breathing - nearly impossible! But thanks to this forum, I may be able to save more of them. I live in the wet and cold pacific northwest so my first act was to transfer all of my new succulents out of plastic and into terra cotta with dry potting mix. The next step is to take a deep breath and not water for a couple of weeks. I'm still waking up in the middle of the night thinking "this can't possibly be right". Is there a Don't Water Succulents Anonymous? Thanks again for all your help. Joan |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| Don't fret over it, this is a lerning experience, I have been growing the species for years, and I am still learning, I just put the soil in the pot and not pat it down, then I set the new plant on top of the soil and gentley press it in. I received a lesson from a specialist Haworthia grower, it sure made a difference, I only wait three or four house before I pot them up, I set mine in slightly damp mix, but not buried, I don't start them in the summer hot months, but wait until Oct 1 here because they are winter growers (most of them are) some have long roots, and can actually be started with just a root the top peeking out of the soil, so help me I saw this. I use vermiculate for doing this. Start Haworthia leaves now, tis the season. You need to see the cuticle at the bottom of the leaf so to have a better chance of it starting, peel it off next to the stem. I hold the plant up side down out of the soil to do this. Norma |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| Joan, I have trouble "not watering" newly transplanted plants, too. So I've taken to just misting the top of the soil for the first couple of weeks - every few days. This gives the illusion of damp soil, but it's not enough moisture to allow it to rot. It's a little trick that keeps me from thinking, "OMG, that plants going to die of dehydration!" Denise in Omaha |
RE: Haworthia attenuata
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RE: Haworthia attenuata
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| Norma, Denise, and jojosplants, thanks for your support - you guys are great. Norma, I assume from other posts that you work at the Huntington Gardens. I went through the cactus section a couple of times several years ago when I was living in the Valley. I still remember my amazement at some of those unbelievable plants. How fortunate to be able to work (?) there. |
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