Gasteria batesiana 'Barberton'

Scientific Name

Gasteria batesiana 'Barberton'

Accepted Scientific Name

Gasteria batesiana G.D.Rowley

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria

Description

Gasteria batesiana 'Barberton' is a small, slow-growing succulent with unique, dark green, almost black leaves with rough surfaces. The leaves are spirally arranged, tongue-shaped, pointed and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.

The flowers are pink, bell-shaped, and appear in the summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

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

These succulents 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 such fungal attacks: attack the invading organism and seal off the wounded spot. In general, any place where Haworthia and Aloe thrive will be hospitable to a Gasteria.

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

See more at How to Grow and Care for Gasteria.

Origin

Gasteria batesiana 'Barberton' is a form of Gasteria batesiana selected for its dark green leaves.

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