Haworthia retusa

Star Cactus

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated: March 29, 2022

“Star Cactus” is a small, slow-growing succulent with triangular-shaped translucent leaves. The leaves bend back and create a rosette shape as they grow.
Haworthia retusa is easily grown indoors. As it grows, it produces clumping offsets. Watch for small white flowers in the spring and summer.

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Quick Look:

Full sun to partial shade
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 3″ (7.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 6″ (15 cm) wide
Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by stem cuttings and offsets
Typically non-toxic to humans and animals
Summer Dormant

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus”

Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” is a great addition to rock gardens or windowsills. Its green, windowed leaves collect sunlight, much like the windowed leaves of Fenestraria rhopalophylla “Baby Toes”.

Watering

“Star Cactus” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

“Star Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun, does very well when planted indoors.

How to Propagate Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus”

Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” can be propagated from stem cuttings and offsets.

Cuttings

To grow “Star Cactus” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Offsets

Haworthia retusa “Star Cactus” will produce small offsets, sprouting up around the base of the plant. Simply pull these up and allow the offsets to dry for one to two days before replanting in well-draining soil.

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Stop killing your succulents with the help of this easy-to-use app

Keeping track of watering and remember the name of your succulent can be tricky. The Succulent Tracker App helps with both! Plus, it allows you to keep a photo history of your succulent, record when you repot or treat for pests, along with a number of other helpful actions.

Set a watering schedule for your succulent and the app will remind you when it’s time to water (so you’re not left wondering when you watered last).

Give it a try today to help you help your succulents thrive! Available on Apple and Android devices.

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