Gasteria aka Little Warty
Taxonomy
Gasteria is a genus of succulent plants native to South Africa and the far south-west corner of Namibia. These clump-forming perennial succulents typically reach a height of 20cm and a width of 15cm. Their leaves are adorned with raised pale green stripes and edges, featuring short, sharp points at the tip. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered in white tubercles. In spring, Gasteria produces pink-green, bell-shaped flowers on a stem that stands above the foliage. Often referred to as "ox tongue," Gasteria is a relatively rare genus of aloe-like succulents. The leaves of Gasteria are known for their rough texture and interesting patterns and colors, varying among different species. These plants thrive in lightly shaded conditions, tolerating lower light levels compared to other succulents. This makes Gasteria a popular choice for indoor cultivation as a houseplant. Additionally, Gasteria is a slow-growing plant, and most varieties maintain a compact size.
Common names
Little Warty, Aloe Gasteria Durban, Gasteria 'Purple Dragon', Gasteria 'Shozoden', Green Dragon GasteriaHow to care for Little Warty
Difficulty
Little Warty presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Little Warty does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To ensure the health of your Little Warty, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Little Warty prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Little Warty to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
Little Warty prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Little Warty is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Little Warty’s native range is South Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Gasteria Genus
Gasteria pulchra
Gasteria excelsa Ox Tongue
Gasteria disticha Ox Tongue
Gasteria pillansii Cattle Tongue
Gasteria brachyphylla
Gasteria nitida armstrongii Gasteria Nitidia Var. Armstrongii
Gasteria baylissiana
Gasteria batesiana Little Warty
