Scientific Name
Gasteria batesiana 'Variegata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Gasteria batesiana G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Knoppies Beestong, Knoppies Gasteria
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Description
Gasteria batesiana 'Variegata' is a charming succulent with green leaves with many tiny white spots and irregular markings in shades of white, yellow, and pink. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in height and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
The inflorescence is simple, rarely branched, and bears pink-orange flowers tipped in emerald green. The flowers can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
Origin
This succulent is a variegated cultivar of Gasteria batesiana.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants 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.
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 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.
These succulents 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Gasteria.
Links
- Back to genus Gasteria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
