Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa

Scientific Name

Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa (Mill.) van Jaarsv.

Synonym(s)

Aloe verrucosa, Gasteria verrucosa

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa, formerly known as Gasteria verrucosa, is a small succulent plant with dull green leaves patterned with raised white spots. It is very variable in size and leaf shape. The leaves are usually distichous, arranged in two opposite vertical rows, rarely becoming spirally arranged. They are up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide at the base.

This variety is distinguished by its linear-lanceolate, distinctly tuberculate leaves.

The gasteriform flowers are orange-pink, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, and appear in early spring in simple racemes, occasionally adding small branches. These inflorescences are up to 3 feet (90 cm) long.

Origin

Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa is native to South Africa. It grows on rocky outcrops and flat areas in limestone fynbos and outliers of subtropical thicket east of Bredasdorp in the Western Cape province.

Hardiness

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

How to Grow and Care

Gasterias are often grouped with Haworthia 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. However, 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. Gasterias have a natural defense mechanism against such fungal attacks and 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.

Hybrids

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