Astroloba bullulata is one of the most attractive species in its genus. It can be difficult to locate it in its native habitat, not only because it is uncommon, but also because it tends to grow in the shelter of shrubs.
Scientific Name
Astroloba bullulata (Jacq.) Uitewaal
Common Name(s)
Roggeveld Astroloba
Synonym(s)
Aloe bullulata, Apicra bullulata, Haworthia bullulata, Tulista bullulata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Astroloba
Etymology
The specific epithet "bullulata (pronounced bul-uh-LAH-ta)" means "having small bubbles" and refers to the distinctive tubercles on the leaves of this species.
Origin
Astroloba bullulata is native to South Africa. It grows in clay-rich soils with Karroid scrub vegetation from Verlatekloof Pass in the Northern Cape to Ceres Karoo and Laingsburg in the Western Cape province.
Description
Astroloba bullulata is a small succulent with slender stems covered with dark green leaves featuring dark, fairly prominent tubercles. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are plump and have a keel towards the tip, often curving inward and twisting at an angle. They have dark margins and keel, with one margin of each leaf ending before the pointed tip, while the keel becomes the margin. The tubercles may be scattered or arranged in rows and mainly occur on the lower surface of the leaves. When exposed to full sun, the leaves take on a brown hue, and the tubercles and margins become pink or white.
In the summer, Astroloba bullulata produces attractive inflorescences with tiny, tubular, greenish-brown flowers adorned with yellow tepals.
How to Grow and Care for Astroloba bullulata
Light: Astroloba bullulata thrives when provided with some protection from direct sunlight. If it has spent the winter indoors, gradually move the plant outdoors into the bright sunlight to prevent sunburn.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not like its roots to remain wet for prolonged periods. You can use commercial soil for succulents or make your own potting mix.
Temperature: Astroloba bullulata tolerates warmer temperatures in the summer but prefers cooler temperatures in the winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly during its most active growth periods in spring and fall. Wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Reduce the watering frequency when the plant's growth slows significantly in winter. When the plant is mostly dormant in the summer, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Although Astroloba bullulata does not require much fertilizer, feeding it can encourage optimal growth. Use a water-soluble fertilizer only during the growing season.
Repotting: This plant can remain in the same pot for several years. To keep it healthy and happy, repot it into fresh soil every two to three years, ideally in spring or fall.
Propagation: Astroloba bullulata can be easily propagated by offsets and cuttings but can also be started from seeds. Remove the offsets and take cuttings during the growing seasns. Sow the seeds in spring or fall.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Astroloba.
Toxicity of Astroloba bullulata
Astroloba bullulata is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Astroloba
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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