×Gasteraloe 'Green Ice'

Scientific Name

×Gasteraloe 'Green Ice'

Synonym(s)

×Gastrolea 'Green Ice'

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Nothogenus: ×Gasteraloe

Origin

×Gasteraloe 'Green Ice' is a hybrid created by David M. Cumming from a cross between Gasteria 'Old Man Silver' and Gonialoe variegata (formerly known as Aloe variegata).

Description

×Gasteraloe 'Green Ice' is a beautiful small succulent that forms rosettes of grayish-green leaves marked with gray dots and elongated stripes. The slow-growing rosettes can reach 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and produce offsets around the base.

The flowers are tubular, red in the lower half, white above, with green mid stripes, and usually appear in summer or sometimes several times a year.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

These plants are often grouped with Haworthias because they have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive, small succulents that can tolerate somewhat more shade than many other succulents, making them more suitable as houseplants.

Gasterias are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. These result from too much humidity or water on the leaves, but they should not spread too quickly. They have a natural defense mechanism against fungal attacks, such as attacking the invading organism and sealing off the wounded spot. Generally, any place where Haworthia and Aloe thrive will be hospitable to a Gasteria.

These succulents are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. Therefore, they are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow containers. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its container, repot into a new wide and shallow container with fresh potting soil in the spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Gasteria.

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