Scientific Name
Gasteria disticha (L.) Haw.
Common Name(s)
Great Karoo Ox-tongue
Synonym(s)
Aloe disticha, Ptyas disticha
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Description
Gasteria disticha is a small succulent with strap-shaped leaves arranged in 2 opposite rows. It can grow up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) tall. The leaves are green with white spots arranged in irregular transverse bands. They often have wavy margins and can measure up to 6.8 inches (17 cm) long and 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are tubular, pink to reddish-pink, and usually appear in spring. They can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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 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 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.
Origin
Gasteria disticha is native to the Western Cape, 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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