Haworthia truncata aka Horse's Teeth

Taxonomy

Haworthia truncata, also known as horse's teeth, is a succulent plant species in the Haworthia genus and Asphodelaceae family. It is indigenous to the Little Karoo region in the far east of the Western Cape Province, South Africa, specifically Calitzdorp. Named after the 19th-century British botanist Hardy Haworth, this slow-growing perennial features two rows of very fleshy dark green leaves with truncated tips. The leaves have a warty surface and are variegated, often referred to as windowed leaves. Haworthia truncata produces small tubular greenish-white flowers in racemes on stems up to 20cm long. This desert species forms thick clusters and reaches a height of 3" to 5". It exhibits its unique characteristics from late summer to fall.

Common names

Horse's Teeth, Horses Teeth

How to care for Horse's Teeth

Difficulty

Horse's Teeth requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Horse's Teeth does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Horse's Teeth is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Horse's Teeth prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Horse's Teeth thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Horse's Teeth is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Horse's Teeth’s native range is Southern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia