Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii - Cow Tongue

Scientific Name

Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (Schönland) van Jaarsv.

Common Names

Cow Tongue

Synonyms

Gasteria armstrongii (basionym)

Scientific Classification

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Gasteria

Description

Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a dwarf, slow-growing, succulent plant, similar, but much smaller then Gasteria nitida. It can be distinguished by its very dark, retuse, distichous, roughly tuberculate leaves. The short, thick rosettes of 2 to 4 leaves are up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The inflorescences are up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall and unbranched. The flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, pinkish-red, stomach-shaped and yellowish-green tips.

Photo via agaveville.org

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Gasteria are often grouped with Haworthia because the plants have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive, small succulents that can tolerate somewhat more shade than many succulents, which makes them more suitable as houseplants. Gasteria are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. These are the result of too much humidity or water on the leaves, but they should not spread too quickly. Gasteria have a natural defense mechanism against such fungal attacks and 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.

Gasteria are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. 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