Haworthia truncata is a miniature leaf succulent with flattened ends and shallow roots. The top surface gives the impression of having been cut or truncated, hence the name truncata. The leaves are covered in white or grey lines with varicosities. In nature the plants are often half-buried, with only the tips of the leaves visible above the soil.
The root system is fleshy and shallow-rooted so the plant can absorb every drop of moisture when it rains, thus this species can go long periods without water.