Astroloba is a genus of succulents in the family Asphodelaceae, native to the Cape Province of South Africa. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek words "astros," meaning "star" and "lobos," meaning "lobe," and refers to the star-like shape of the petals, which appear at the end of the tube-like flowers.
They are very closely related to the Haworthia genus but are distinguished by their flowers being regular and not double-tipped. The flowers are small, white, and appear clustered on slender racemes. Astrolobas bear fleshy, triangular leaves along their symmetrical columnar stems. Plants are slow-growing, multi-stemmed, and their long stems tend to sprawl in their rocky natural habitat.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Astrolobas are increasingly popular as a succulent ornamental due to the extraordinary beauty of their leaf structure. Some have intricate patterns of lines, margins, spots, and raised tubercles on their leaves. Nearly all of them display a crystal-like regularity in their leaf arrangement. This is not always apparent in wild plants, which are usually disfigured by their harsh habitat.
In cultivation, Astrolobas are at their best when provided with some protection from the full sun. In a semi-shade environment, with extremely well-drained soil and mild conditions, Astrolobas can become remarkably beautiful and ornate.
Unfortunately, when conditions are not ideal, occasional random leaves can die, shrivel up and go brown all along their stem. This is unfortunate because, as explained, much of the plants' beauty comes from the intricate, crystalline pattern of their leaves. However, this disfigurement can be avoided by keeping the plants in optimal, fertile conditions – growing steadily and sheltered from stress.
Propagation
All Astrolobas can be propagated by seed, by cuttings or offsets, and by the division of clumps. Cuttings or offsets should be dried for several days to a week, in a cool, shady environment, before being planted in well-drained sand. Seeds should be collected and sown on well-drained soil. It is optional to cover them with a very thin, fine layer of sand. Keep moist until they germinate and continue to water regularly until they are relatively large and strong. Keep in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
Hybrids can be made between all species (except A. rubriflora, which has evolved highly distinct chemistry in its flowers). Astrolobas can also be hybridized with other related genera, such as Tulista, Gasteria, and Aloe.
Source: haworthia-gasteria.blogspot.com
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