How to divide zebra cactus Haworthia houseplant

Pull the offsets from the parent plant

Zebra cactus plants (Haworthia fasciata) are very popular houseplants. This article shows step by step how to divide zebra cactus (here is our plant guide of Zebra cactus plants).

These plants are very forgiven and adapt well to a very broad range of conditions. Just give them a warm place with moderate light and a drink from time to time. They do not need a lot of attention or care. They are slow growing plants. These advantages make this plant a popular choice for home and office environments.

I have an overgrown zebra succulent, it took years to develop to this point. They are really slow growers. But now it has several offsets grown around the main plant and this is the perfect way to divide zebra cactus and make more plants.

The plant is full of offsets

It should be divided for two reasons:

It needs to get fresh soil to continue to grow healthy
I will multiply the number of plants

First, I will lift the plant. It developed strong roots around the pot and you can’t imagine the strength I had to apply to pull it out for such a little plant. It was like glued.

Lift the plant from the pot

Gently separate each offset from the parent plant.

Separate each offset

Try to get as much roots as possible. They will garantee the new plant survival. In the picture below, these are two offsets that will be divided and make two new individual plants.

Pull the offsets from the parent plant

The compost can be a mix of grit or sharp sand and generic potting soil. The idea is that it drains well. Succulent and cactus plants deslike wet conditions. They developed leaves that allows them to store water to survive in periods of drought.

Plant in a compost that drains well

Plant each offset in the middle of a small pot. You could use terracota, concrete or ceramic pots. I’m just reusing a plastic pot so these offsets can grow a little before I decide where to plant them or even if I will give them to friends.

Plant each offset individually

Now I have five new plants. I will place them in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. I will not overwater them, just keep the soil slightly moist and they should start to show signs of new growth in the center of the plant in 3 to 4 weeks.