Haworthias needs very little care but you need to do it correctly. When you do not give them the attention they need, plants might start to die. This first indication that the plant gives is by changing its color. Let’s get to know quickly: Why is Haworthia turning white?
Haworthias turn white and soft when they are overwatered or kept in poor soil without a drainage hole. The other reasons could be sunburn or rotting of the plant.
Haworthias are tiny beautiful succulents that are super easy to grow. They come from the southern parts of Africa and are habitual to thrive in harsh conditions. They have fleshy green leaves and are slow-growing plants.
My first succulent was an Haworthia back then, and it was turning white and as a beginner, you have very little knowledge about it. So I did some research and spoke to a few of the experts. I gathered all the information in this article. Here are a few reasons.
8 Reasons Why Haworthia Turn White
Haworthia is super easy to grow and is a very low-maintenance plant. Here are a few reasons why they start to turn white or pale in appearance.
1. Sun Stress
Haworthia likes being exposed to partial sunlight and they grow beautifully in it. But the problem occurs when the plant is exposed to the direct sun for a longer duration.
That damages the plant tissues and to save the plant from burns the plant releases the chemical called anthocyanin. And that causes the change in the color of the Haworthia, they appear pale.
To avoid sun stress make sure to keep the succulents under a cloth shade or near the window. This will ensure that the plant gets bright light throughout the day. Also, keeping them near windows will keep them ventilated and fresh.
2. Watering Issue
Overwatering is the most common cause for Haworthias to turn white. To know that the plant is being overwatered, look for the soggy, pale, or white leaves.
Also, check the soil if it stays damp all the time that is due to overwatering. To avoid this, use the soak and dry method to water succulents. Water them only when the soil is dry, by this you can understand the watering needs of the plants.
Also, while watering the Haworthias, do not water on their leaves as that increases the humidity of the plant. Water them directly into the soil thoroughly. This is the correct way to water succulents.
3. Poor Soil
Haworthias do not grow well in the poor soil. When they are planted in poor soil, such soil does not have essential nutrients and the soil retains a lot of moisture in it.
Which causes root rot and Haworthias to turn white. To avoid this you must use fast-draining soil to grow them. The fast-draining soil flushes away all the excess water from the soil.
Also, it provides all the essential nutrients to the plant. You can also make the potting mix at home by taking ⅓ portions of each: Perlite, soil, and coco peat. Mix them correctly and it is ready to use.
4. Pots
When the Haworthia is kept in a pot without a drainage hole underneath, the excess water accumulates at the bottom of the pot. And that causes root rot or watering issues in the plant and they turn white.
To avoid this make sure to have the pots with a drainage hole underneath. This type of pot goes perfectly with the fast-draining soil and flushes away all the excess water from the pot. Eventually, the plant grows healthy and beautiful.
5. Fungal infection
When you place the Haworthia in high humid places such as bathrooms, that causes fungal infection in the plant. The other reason for the infection is poor soil and incorrect watering technique.
To avoid this, keep the Haworthia in low humidity and avoid watering on their leaves. Also, make sure to spray organic fungicides till the infection is cured. To know more about fungal infections visit:
6. Rotting
Rotting is very unlikely to occur when it comes to Haworthias. If the plant is overwatered, kept in a pot without a drainage hole, or exposed to extreme sun or humidity.
Then they start to rot and turn white or pale in appearance. To avoid this make sure to take care of the Haworthias frequently. Keep them in fast-draining potting soil. Rotting is the last reason for them to turn white.
7. Bug Attack
Bug attack is the worst nightmare for any plant, although the only bug that is most likely to attack Haworthias are the Mealybugs. These are tiny white creatures that usually feed on the plant.
They are so contagious and spread rapidly to other plants. They slowly eat up the whole plant. In this case, early detection is the key to save the plant.
To avoid this make sure that you inspect the plant frequently, check the blind spots too. Consider applying the pesticides or alcohol rub till the bugs have completely vanished. To know more about the mealybug attack, visit:
8. Naturally or Seasonally
The last reason why Haworthias turn white is due to the change in the season or it is their natural phenomenon to shed the leaves to promote the new growth.
This mainly happens in their growing season, many succulents shed their leaves by turning pale in appearance. There is nothing to worry about in this case, they will eventually grow the new healthy leaves.
How to care for Haworthia?
Haworthia is a low-maintenance plant; they do not need much attention. They are super easy to grow plants. Like every succulent, they also have a few of the basic requirements.
1. Light
Haworthia likes to be in bright light and they bloom in such lighting conditions. You must give them partial sun throughout the day or keep them under the grow lights.
Both will work for them, prefer artificial lights only when you cannot give them sunlight.
2. Water
Watering is the most important factor in any plant’s healthy growth. Haworthia needs to be watered once a week or when the soil is dry.
When you water them correctly and understand their watering needs, they tend to grow beautiful and healthy.
3. Potting soil and Pots
Keep them in a good potting soil that drains faster. This will avoid overwatering and will keep the soil dry.
With fast-draining soil, you must keep them in a pot that has a drainage hole underneath. Such types of arrangements are perfect for growing healthy Haworthia.
4. Fertilization
Fertilizing them is very important as they need that extra source of nutrients. Soil cannot provide all the nutrients to the plant. They need to be fertilized once a month or just before their growing season.
Do not fertilize Haworthia during winters as they go dormant in winters. Also, make sure to use organic fertilizers, they do not harm the plants.
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Final Thoughts
Haworthias are great plants, they are super easy to grow. They mostly turn white due to an incorrect watering schedule. The other reason is also stress in a plant that causes them to turn white.
Take good care of them when they need it, and grow them healthy.
I hope you found this article helpful. Do share this information with others.
Happy Planting!!
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