Haworthia Truncata Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Horse’s Teeth”

Succulents have become a must-have ornamental plant in the collections of every respectable gardener. And if you already have one or two specimens, we are here to tell you a top-secret detail. You will never have too many succulents around your house and the joy and happiness these lovely creatures bring are unimaginable.

Haworthia Truncata, otherwise known as Horse’s Teeth, Perdetande, Lithops, or Maughanii, is a species of succulent plants in the Asphodelaceae family. Horse’s Teeth plants are native to South Africa in the Little Karoo region found in the far east of the Western Cape Province.

These succulents are highly popular worldwide and work perfectly as houseplants. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing without causing too much trouble to their owners’ everyday life. Their foliage is truly spectacular and has already stolen many gardeners’ hearts.

About Horse’s Teeth Succulents

• With their lovely and unique appearance, Horse’s Teeth plants can be used in various succulent decorations. They will bring back to life any empty desks, coffee tables, or bookshelves.
• The name ‘Haworthia’ was given in honor of Hardy Haworth, a British botanist from the 19th century.
• During their blooming period, these succulents play a big role in the ecosystem. They offer nectar to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Most succulents are best grown in bright and direct light, but not this one. They require partial shade or filtered light to thrive and even bloom.
• Horse’s Teeth is a desert plant that enjoys warm temperatures and can also tolerate some light frost for short periods. Keep your succulent indoors during the winter.
• They are quite sensitive to over-watering and their roots may rot easily. Water Horse’s Teeth only when the soil has dried out and decrease the frequency in winter.
• When grown in a well-draining soil that is suitable for cacti and succulents, these plants will not need fertilizing very often. They will benefit from one or two feedings during their active growing season to boost them a little.
• There are no toxic effects reported about Horse’s Teeth. You can grow these adorable specimens around your curious pets and children, although it is not advisable to be consumed.

Horse’s Teeth Succulents Features: An Overview

• They belong to the Haworthia genus that contains about 60 official species with 150 named varieties of small succulents. The most cultivated houseplants include H. Cymbiformis, H. Truncata, H. Reticulata, H. Herbacea, and H. Cooperi.
• Horse’s Teeth is an adorable and dwarf succulent that can reach up to 0.79 inches (2 cm) in height and about 3.9 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
• These plants are easily distinguished by their peculiar foliage. They produce nearly rectangular-shaped, gray to greyish-green leaves that grow in two opposite rows.
• Their leaves are usually held more or less upright with their ends looking like they have been cut recently (or truncated). They are covered in gray or white stripes with varicosities.
• The truncated part of their foliage presents a translucent area commonly known as the leaf window. This structure allows more light to enter the plants for photosynthesis.
• In their natural habitat, these succulents can be found half-buried, leaving only the upper parts of their leaves above the soil.
• If you are lucky enough, you might observe their flowers once in a while in late spring. They are white, not very showy, sometimes remaining unnoticed, and come in tubular clusters on 8 inches (20 cm) stems.
• They can be grown along other Haworthias, succulents with similar environmental requirements, or even cacti that prefer more shade than full sunlight.

Growing Horse’s Teeth Succulents

Succulents are one of the easiest houseplants to grow and care for and Horse’s Teeth species are no different. Although they may not have the same environmental requirements as most succulents, they will be the ideal companions with minimal care. Once you manage to fulfill their particular wishes, you will not need to have them on your mind every day. Only if you love them so much that you cannot stop thinking about their beauty!

Haworthia Truncata, From Amazon

Unlike most succulents, Horse’s Teeth and many other Haworthias prefer to grow in a sheltered location. These plants are adapted to grow best in partial shade where they can be protected from direct or harsh sunlight. For both indoor and outdoor growing, place them in a bright area, and make sure they are not exposed to afternoon sunlight. If you want to grow them near a sunny window, it is suggested you filter the light they are exposed to with sheer curtains.

Horse’s Teeth plants love warm temperatures that range from 75 to 90 °F (24-32 °C). They are somehow capable of coping with light freezing conditions, but it is better to keep them away from temperatures that drop below 41 °F (5 °C). When the cooler temperatures tend to show off, you should bring your succulents indoors to protect them from frost.

Planting Horse’s Teeth Succulents

These succulents do not enjoy having their feet wet for long periods, so they must be grown in well-draining soil. For optimal growth, look for a commercial potting mix that is designed for cacti and succulents and use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. You can also prepare your own potting mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, sand, and perlite.

In general, Haworthias do not need much fertilizer to boost their growth. However, if you want your succulents to grow faster and maybe healthier, regular feedings may be a good idea. Feed your Horse’s Teeth with a diluted nitrogen-based fertilizer according to package instructions during its active growing period. It will be just enough if you feed this plant once or twice a year.

Due to their relatively slow-growing habit, Horse’s Teeth succulents can remain in the same pot for years. When your plants begin to outgrow their containers, this is the ideal time for repotting. Usually, they must be transplanted in a container that is one size larger than the current one once every two or three years. Dig out your succulents from their pots, remove any extra soil found around their roots, and plant them in their new pots filled with potting soil that has good drainage. Wait a few days before watering your freshly repotted plants then care for them as usual.

Some of the most common pests that can bother your Horse’s Teeth are mealybugs, scale insects, or spider mites. You must inspect the plant regularly and if you notice any sign of infestation, treat your afflicted baby with neem oil insecticide.

Haworthia Truncata, From Amazon

Watering Horse’s Teeth Succulents

Like most succulents, their leaves can store large quantities of water. Thanks to this feature, you will not need to worry about under-watering your Horse’s Teeth plants. As long as you are not providing these succulents with too much water, they will remain healthy and happy around you.

During their active growing period, from spring to fall, these plants love lots of water. But keep in mind that it is always necessary to check the soil in-between waterings. When the soil feels dry to the touch, this is a common indicator that your succulent is thirsty. In cooler months or when the winter has settled in, you must water your Horse’s Teeth less frequently. If you live in a region with harsh winters, you can skip watering until spring.

Horse’s Teeth is a desert succulent that prefers dry conditions more than anything. If the air around your succulent is too humid, you can move them to a room with air vents or use a dehumidifier near it.

Propagating Horse’s Teeth Succulents

What a delightful succulent to have around! Once you become friends with a Horse’s Teeth succulent, it is pretty difficult not to want more of its special foliage. And imagine how surprised your loved ones will be if you bring them one of these peculiar-looking beauties as a gift! Your succulent can be propagated very easily through leaf cuttings, but it will take a time to show some progress. Find your courage and get to work, gardener!

For guaranteed results, make sure you use healthy leaves for propagation. Cut a small portion of the leaf tips horizontally using a sharp and sterilized knife. You should leave the cuttings in a warm and shaded location for about two weeks to callous. Once this process has ended, fill a new pot with fresh potting mix and plant your cuttings in it with their tips above the soil. Your baby Horse’s Teeth will produce a strong root system in a few months, so you must be patient with this little one!

If the leaf-cutting method is not suitable to your expectations, you can also propagate your succulents through seeds. The seeds can be simply collected from the mother plant and show new growth faster than the cuttings. The only thing you need to worry about is finding the perfect potting soil to propagate the plants. For optimal results, look for an excellent seedling mix that contains coarse sand. After sowing the seeds, keep the pot cool and damp for a month then move it to a sunny location and mist it once every two days.

In Conclusion

What a superb succulent to add to your collection! As long as you simulate their native habitat and pay attention to their needs, Horse’s Teeth succulents can make for excellent companions for you and their other succulent relatives. Moreover, they are pretty easy to propagate through cuttings or seeds and can be a great gift for a special person. Watch out for those beautiful varieties out there!

Are you growing Horse’s Teeth Succulents? Share your experience in the comments below?