Scientific Name
Gasteria batesiana var. dolomitica van Jaarsv. & A.E.van Wyk
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Description
Gasteria batesiana var. dolomitica is a slow-growing succulent with brittle, nearly cylindrical leaves beautifully mottled with white, green, and dark grey, resembling a snake. When the leaves touch the ground, they spontaneously root, forming new plantlets. They can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 more shade than many, 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. Generally, 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Gasteria.
Origin
Gasteria batesiana var. dolomitica grows on dolomite cliffs along the Olifants River in Limpopo province of South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Gasteria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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