Gasteria carinata aka Roundtip Aloe

Taxonomy

Common names

Roundtip Aloe, Keeled Gasteria, Roundtip Gasteria, Bredasdorp Gasteria

How to care for Roundtip Aloe

Difficulty

Caring for Roundtip Aloe is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Roundtip Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Roundtip Aloe, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Roundtip Aloe prefers bright indirect 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.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Roundtip Aloe is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Roundtip Aloe plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Roundtip Aloe grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Roundtip Aloe as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Roundtip Aloe’s native range is South Africa.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Roundtip Aloe with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia