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Haworthia truncata
Ideally place in partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as -1.1 °C for short periods. However, the plant is not frost-resistant.
Haworthia truncata has leaves ending in a flat "window" section, which makes it look as if the plant is growing out of the soil cut off.
Haworthia truncata, often referred to by the nickname Horse’s Teeth, originates from the winter rainfall region of Little Karoo in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is a species adapted to arid conditions, where much of the plant remains close to or below the soil surface. The epithet truncata, meaning “mutilated” or “cut off”, refers to the unusual leaf tips that end abruptly in flat, translucent windows rather than tapering to a point.
The plant forms grey to grey-green leaves that grow upright and closely pressed together. In cross-section, the leaves are rectangular, with a rough upper surface that enhances the impression of having been cleanly cut. They are arranged in two opposite rows, giving the plant a very distinctive appearance. Over time, the succulent is able to produce side offsets, gradually forming small clusters.
Small white flowers appear on slender flowering stems that can reach up to about 20 cm in height. Flowering occurs mainly in late spring, with the inflorescence rising clearly above the leaf arrangement.
Haworthia truncata is a tough, resilient, and slow-growing species. It prefers a well-draining substrate, a bright position, and watering adjusted to its restrained growth rate. Its compact habit and long-term stability make it a reliable choice for growers looking for a distinctive yet manageable succulent.