Scientific Name
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (variegated) – an informal descriptive name
This plant is not found in the wild and therefore cannot be classified as a distinct form. Its variegation is unstable, and it does not meet the criteria for recognition as a distinct cultivar under the ICNCP🡕.
Accepted Scientific Name
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (Schönland) van Jaarsv.
Synonym(s)
Gasteria armstrongii (variegated)
Common Name(s)
Cow Tongue
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Etymology
The specific epithet "nitida" (pronounced "NI-ti-duh") means "shining," "glossy," or "polished" and refers to the shiny leaf surfaces of this species.
The varietal epithet "armstrongii" (pronounced "arm-STRONG-ee-eye") honors William Armstrong (fl. 1886–1901), a succulent plant collector in the Humansdorp area of South Africa.
Origin of Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (variegated)
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (variegated) is a sport of Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii selected in cultivation for its variegated foliage.
Description of Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (variegated)
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (variegated) is a dwarf, slow-growing succulent with usually 2 to 4 variegated, roughly tuberculate leaves arranged in two opposite vertical rows. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide. The leaves are creamy-white or yellow with green stripes and even shades of brown.
The inflorescences are unbranched and can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The flowers are stomach-shaped, pinkish-red with yellowish-green tips, and can reach 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
How to Grow and Care for Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (variegated)
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 succulents, 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. In general, 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.
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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