This growth story of a Haworthia, also sometimes called a Zebra plant has been beautifully photographed and cared for since 2014. The owner and photographer shares more stunning photos of plants and gardening on instagram @_follis_. He has kindly shared his story and photos below. I had purchased the Haworthia in late November of 2014 at a Home Depot store near my college. As I am a lover of plants, I wanted to create a workspace at my desk that was filled with natural inspiration and beauty from plants. The little Haworthia was barely alive, and very dehydrated from it’s plastic container under fluorescent light. I had it on my desk for the remainder of the year up until April 2015. I did a full transplant into a terra cotta pot with proper desert succulent potting soil and moved it to a sunny window in my bedroom that faced East (allowing it to get full sun for a few hours every morning, and indirect sun all afternoon).
Haworthia is a popular genus of small, compact succulent plants. They are appreciated for their unique leaf shapes and patterns. One of the highlights of growing Haworthia is when they send up tall flower stalks topped with dainty blooms. But what should you do once the flowers fade?
The flowering stalks have many potential uses beyond just admiring the blooms. With proper care you can even encourage more flowering in the future. In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about managing Haworthia flower stems.
Understanding Haworthia Flowering
Most Haworthia species and cultivars produce flower stalks under the right conditions. Here are some key points about their flowering habits:
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Flowering normally occurs in late winter or spring when daylight hours increase. Some varieties may flower at other times as well.
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Mature, healthy plants between 3-5 years old are the most likely to flower Younger or stressed plants typically won’t bloom
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Exposure to several weeks of bright, direct light in fall and early winter initiates flower stalk production. Cooler temperatures also promote flowering.
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Each stalk bears many tiny, star-shaped white flowers. Individual blooms last only a day before falling off. But new flowers constantly replace them over several weeks of bloom time.
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Once flowering concludes, the stalk eventually dries out completely and can be removed. The plant then focuses energy on new leaf growth.
When and How to Cut Flower Stalks
The flower stalks can be cut off once blooms are finished Follow these tips for proper removal
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Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut without crushing the stem.
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Cut the entire stalk near its base, leaving about 1/2 inch attached to the main plant.
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Sterilize pruning tools with rubbing alcohol first to prevent transmitting diseases between plants.
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Check carefully for offsets or pups emerging at the base and avoid damaging them when cutting the stalk.
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Remove any dried blooms or leaves still attached to cut pieces if saving them for other uses.
Creative Uses for the Flower Stalks
Rather than discarding the dried flower stems, consider repurposing them in these fun ways:
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Floral arrangements – The curving stalks make perfect filler material mixed in with other dried flowers and foliage.
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Craft projects – Painted and decoupaged stalks can become plant-themed magnets, jewelry, wreaths, and more.
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Rooting for propagation – Lay stalks in dry soil and some may sprout baby Haworthia plants along their length.
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Cloning – Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and pot it up to propagate a genetic clone.
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Compost – Add stalks to compost piles and gardens as a nutrient boost.
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Fire starters – Dry stalks work similarly to twigs to help ignite fires in fireplaces, stoves, or outdoor fire pits.
Caring for the Plant After Removing Stalks
Snipping off the flower stalks does take some energy from the plant. To help it recover:
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Provide bright, indirect light only for 2-3 weeks to allow new growth to establish before reexposing it to direct sun.
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Water a little more frequently for a few weeks until you see new roots and leaves growing. Then resume a normal schedule.
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Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength 2-4 weeks after cutting off the stalk to replenish nutrients.
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Monitor for signs of stress like drooping and make adjustments to lighting and watering as needed.
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Allow at least 2-3 months of rest before repotting, dividing, or moving the plant after stalk removal.
Encouraging More Flowering
With proper care, you can enjoy Haworthia flowers year after year:
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Give the plants bright light during fall and early winter to initiate flower stalks.
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Allow plants to dry out a little more than usual in fall before the flowering period.
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Move pots outside temporarily when temperatures drop in fall if possible. Chilly nights encourage blooms.
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer to ensure plants are vigorous enough to bloom.
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Avoid disturbing or dividing plants in fall to allow stalks to form.
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Propagate mature, flowering plants to produce new ones likely to flower annually.
The Joy of Haworthia Blooms
The tall stalks topped with dainty white blooms bring an exciting show to these popular succulents. And there are many ways to make use of the stalks even after the flowers finish. Follow proper techniques for cutting back and caring for the plants after blooms fade. With the right conditions year-round, your Haworthia will delight you with their flowering spectacle season after season.
Summary of Main Points:
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Haworthia flower in late winter or spring when mature and healthy enough. More light and cooler temperatures in fall initiate the stalks.
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Once blooms finish, cut off stalks at the base using clean, sharp tools. Avoid damaging any emerging offsets.
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The woody stalks have many creative uses like in arrangements, crafts, propagation, or as compost.
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After cutting stalks, give the plant more water and indirect light at first while it recovers. Then resume normal care.
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To encourage repeat flowering, provide ample sunlight in fall and early winter, fertilize in spring and summer, and avoid disturbing the plants in fall.
Following this complete guide will help you get the most enjoyment from your Haworthia’s blooms. And with the right care, you’ll be rewarded with more wonderful flowering year after year.
photo stories of plants
This growth story of a Haworthia, also sometimes called a Zebra plant has been beautifully photographed and cared for since 2014. The owner and photographer shares more stunning photos of plants and gardening on instagram @_follis_. He has kindly shared his story and photos below. I had purchased the Haworthia in late November of 2014 at a Home Depot store near my college. As I am a lover of plants, I wanted to create a workspace at my desk that was filled with natural inspiration and beauty from plants. The little Haworthia was barely alive, and very dehydrated from it’s plastic container under fluorescent light. I had it on my desk for the remainder of the year up until April 2015. I did a full transplant into a terra cotta pot with proper desert succulent potting soil and moved it to a sunny window in my bedroom that faced East (allowing it to get full sun for a few hours every morning, and indirect sun all afternoon).
April 2015 16th April 2015: Plant has just been repotted into terracotta pot and placed on windowsillI eventually moved to the city, and placed my Haworthia in a bight, South-facing window, where it gets plenty of sun all year round. I water my Haworthia once a week on Saturday mornings, and give it a good soak until the water pours out into the bottom catch-tray. Over time, the leaves became thick and filled with water storage, and it slowly began to grow and progress.
22nd January 2017: Haworthia plant looking much healthier
WHAT To Do With SUCCULENT FLOWERS | Growing Succulents with LizK
FAQ
What is the long stem growing from Haworthia?
The flowers of the haworthia are small and bell-shaped. They emerge as an inflorescence (a long stem with flowers on its length) that can each considerable lengths. I first noticed the inflorescence on one of my haworthias on 8 October.
Should I cut Haworthia flower?
Post-bloom is the prime time for snipping your Haworthia Cooperi. Once the flowers have faded, it’s your cue to prune. This helps redirect the plant’s energy to the leaves and roots, fostering overall health and vigor.
What do I do with my succulent flower stalk?
Just carefully and cleanly detach each one from the bloom stalk, set them onto a dry surface (or on some dry soil) that gets bright indirect light, and wait for roots and baby plants to grow from the area on the bracts where they used to connect to the bloom stalk.