Haworthia truncata
Also known as: Horse's teeth
The 'horse's teeth' haworthia: leaf tips are flat-truncated so the rosette looks like a row of cut gemstones pushing out of the soil. It comes from South Africa (Little Karoo), stays around 8 cm tall, spreading fan, and tolerates USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Haworthia
- Origin: South Africa (Little Karoo)
- Mature size: 8 cm tall, spreading fan
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Haworthia
- Origin
- South Africa (Little Karoo)
- Mature size
- 8 cm tall, spreading fan
- Growth habit
- Unusual leaves emerge in a flat fan, tips truncated like cut stone
- Leaf colour
- Grey-green 'window' leaf ends with dotted lines
- Flower colour
- White, tubular
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Horse's teeth
About the Haworthia truncata
The 'horse's teeth' haworthia: leaf tips are flat-truncated so the rosette looks like a row of cut gemstones pushing out of the soil. A prized collector's species with many Japanese selections.
Care and cultivation
Haworthias are the most shade-tolerant succulents on this site and do well on an east or north windowsill. Use a gritty mix, water only when fully dry, and shield them from hot afternoon sun which causes red-brown scorch. They grow mainly in spring and autumn and appreciate a drier, cooler winter rest. Light: Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light; avoid harsh afternoon sun. Water: Every 2–3 weeks; drought-tolerant, less in winter. Use a Fast-draining cactus mix with added grit.
Description
Haworthia truncata is a Haworthia succulent from South Africa (Little Karoo). The 'horse's teeth' haworthia: leaf tips are flat-truncated so the rosette looks like a row of cut gemstones pushing out of the soil. A prized collector's species with many Japanese selections.
Identification
Look for: Grey-green 'window' leaf ends with dotted lines leaves in a 8 cm tall, spreading fan form. Also answers to Horse's teeth. The genus is Haworthia, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Horse's teeth'.
Common problems
Brown tips from very dry air or sun scorch • Root rot in stagnant soil • Stretching and open rosettes in too little light
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Haworthia truncata?
Every 2–3 weeks; drought-tolerant, less in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Haworthia truncata need?
Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light; avoid harsh afternoon sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Haworthia truncata, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.