Astroloba foliolosa is often confused with its relative, Astroloba congesta, but it can be easily distinguished by its smaller and thinner leaves, which are rounded at the base and extend nearly at right angles to the stem.
Scientific Name
Astroloba foliolosa (Haw.) Uitewaal
Synonym(s)
Aloe foliolosa, Apicra foliolosa, Astroloba spiralis subsp. foliolosa, Haworthia foliolosa, Tulista foliolosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Astroloba
Etymology
The specific epithet "foliolosa" (pronounced "foh-lee-oh-LOH-suh") means "having many small leaves" and refers to densely leaved stems of this species.
Origin
Astroloba foliolosa is native to South Africa. It grows in karroid flats between the Swartkops River and the Sundays River in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Astroloba foliolosa is a small succulent with crowded leaves arranged in five spiral rows on slender, upright, or sometimes sprawling stems. The plant is slowly proliferous from the base, with stems reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height. The leaves are flat-triangular, tapering to a very sharp point, and can measure up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length and width. They are deep green, smooth, and shiny, turning purplish when exposed to intense sunlight. The leaf margins and keel are slightly thickened and have a cartilaginous texture.
From late winter to early fall, Astroloba foliolosa produces small, greenish-white or pale cream-coloured flowers with green midribs. The flowers appear on slender, usually unbranched stalks that can grow over 12 inches (30 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Astroloba foliolosa
Light: Astroloba foliolosa 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 foliolosa 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 summer, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Although Astroloba foliolosa 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 foliolosa can be easily propagated by offsets and cuttings, but can also be started from seeds. Remove the offsets and take cuttings during the growing season. Sow the seeds in spring or fall.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Astroloba.
Toxicity of Astroloba foliolosa
Astroloba foliolosa 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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