Haworthia roots

Lynn-Marie's been re-potting some of the plants and this photo shows some of the root system. This illustrates why I often say that enhancing good root growth is the what we're about. And it also demonstrates why it's important to examine the roots periodically. This helps determine the health of the plant, whether there are root pests, and whether the plant needs to be potted in a larger pot. Just looking at the part of the plant that's above ground wouldn't give you a clue as to the size of pot the plant really needs.

When you got no roots...flower anyway!

Steve Hammer, in his article in Haworthia Update, says it's helpful to him to say that his job is primarily to grow roots. And I've often expressed the same thing. But then...

This plant came to us with some problems: mealy bugs and some beginning rot. So out comes that sharp sterile blade and off goes the bottom of the plant. After letting it callus over, it's been sitting in the rooting tray. It hasn't had enough time yet to form roots, but - hey - why wait? You don't have to have roots to flower...and you can take that personally!

Growing roots

I've often said that we're in the business of growing roots. This is what I mean: