Haworthia retusa aka ⭐Star 🌵Cactus

Haworthia | Updated: January 25, 2025

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.

Quick Guide

  • 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

How to 🩷 Care for and Propagate Your 🪴 Succulents

General Care for Haworthia retusa aka Star Cactus

Haworthia retusa, commonly known as Star Cactus, is an excellent choice for rock gardens or windowsills. Its distinctive green, windowed leaves collect sunlight, similar to Fenestraria rhopalophylla aka Baby Toes.

Watering

Star Cactus has typical watering needs for a succulent. The soak and dry method is best, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

Star Cactus isn’t cold-hardy. If your area experiences temperatures below 20°F (-6.7°C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It thrives in full to partial sun and does particularly well when planted indoors.

How to Propagate Haworthia retusa aka Star Cactus

Propagation can be done through stem cuttings and offsets.

Cuttings

To propagate Star Cactus from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or scissors to remove a stem from the main plant. Allow the cutting to callous for several days before placing it in well-draining soil. Water only when the soil has completely dried out.

Offsets

Star Cactus produces small offsets around its base. To propagate, simply pull these offsets up and let them dry for one to two days before replanting them in well-draining soil.

Tags & Attributes

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Haworthia
Species: H. retusa

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