Gasteria batesiana aka Little Warty

Taxonomy

Gasteria batesiana, also known as Knoppies Gasteria, Cows Tongue, or Lawyers Tongue, is a species of slow-growing succulent plant native to the inland escarpment in the far north-east of South Africa. With its distinct rough and pointed dark green leaves, often with red and pink tips, this plant is a great addition to any indoor garden. It is low-maintenance and requires very little watering, making it perfect for both beginners and experts alike. Knoppies Gasteria thrives in well-lit rooms out of direct sunlight and prefers soil that is extremely well-draining. When grown indoors, it can reach a height of 6-20 inches (15-50cm) and should be less than 3 feet from a window. Repotting each time it doubles in size is recommended, and fertilizers may not be necessary.

Common names

Little Warty, People That Dont Know The Difference Between Common Names And Cultivar/Hybrid Names Shouldnt Be On Here I Ding Plants, Knoppies Gasteria

How to care for Little Warty

Difficulty

Little Warty requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Little Warty does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Little Warty is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Little Warty requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Little Warty will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Little Warty thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Little Warty is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Little Warty’s native range is South Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia