Meet the Haworthia coarctata: Your New Plant Crush

If you love low maintenance plant babies that look cool and won’t complain, Haworthia coarctata is about to become your new favorite. With its striking stacked leaves and easygoing personality, this succulent is perfect for beginners, collectors, and anyone who’s accidentally neglected a plant or two.

Let’s dive into what makes this little Succulent so special and how to keep it thriving!

What is Haworthia coarctata?

Haworthia coarctata (pronounced ha-WORTH-ee-uh kor-KTAY-tuh) is a small, slow growing succulent native to South Africa. It’s known for its tightly packed, spiral stacked leaves that form upright clusters, giving it a slightly alien, architectural look. The leaves range from deep green to purplish depending on the light and they're often covered in tiny bumpy white tubercles, which add extra texture.

What Makes It Special?
    •     It’s one of the most forgiving succulents out there.
    •    Its ridged, chunky leaves are super fun to touch (but try not to poke too much!).
    •    Compact growth Great for small spaces, windowsills, or desks.
    •    Pet safe, Unlike many succulents, Haworthias are generally non toxic to pets (still best to keep them out of reach!).

Light Needs

Haworthia coarctata prefers bright, indirect light. Think: east facing window or filtered sunlight.
Too much direct sun can cause leaf stress and fading, but not enough light will make it stretch out and lose its compact shape.

If the leaves start to look faded or washed out, move it to a spot with more filtered light.

Watering Tips

This plant is drought tolerant, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the #1 way to lose your Haworthia.
    •    Water every 2–3 weeks (less in winter).
    •    Always check that the soil is dry before watering again.
    •    Water at the base don’t let water pool in the leaves.

Soil

Use a well draining succulent or cactus mix. You can also mix regular potting soil with perlite or sand to help drainage.

 Temperature & Humidity
    •    Temperature: 65–80°F is ideal. It can tolerate brief dips into the 50s but hates frost.
    •    Humidity: Loves it dry. No need to mist or worry about moisture in the air.

If your space is humid, make sure it’s in a pot with a drainage hole to avoid root rot.

 Fertilizer & Blooming
    •    Fertilize once during spring or summer with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
    •    It may bloom in summer, sending up a tall, wiry stalk with tiny white or pinkish flowers, but the foliage is the real showstopper here.

Propagation

Haworthia coarctata is super easy to propagate through offsets, aka “pups” that grow at the base of the plant.

Here’s how:
    1.    Wait until the pup is at least ⅓ the size of the mother plant.
    2.    Gently remove it with a clean knife or twist it off.
    3.    Let it callous over for 1–2 days.
    4.    Plant in dry, well-draining soil and wait a few days before watering.

Boom! free plants!

Why We Picked This Plant for You

We chose Haworthia coarctata for your box because it’s a hardy, low stress beauty that looks like a sculpture and asks for almost nothing in return. It’s perfect whether you’re new to succulents or you’ve got a whole collection.

Plus, its compact shape makes it easy to gift, travel with, or tuck into a little nook in your home where it can quietly thrive.