Synonyms:

Aloe verrucosa
Gasteria verrucosa
Aloe acuminata
Aloe carinata
Aloe intermedia
Aloe intermedia var. asperrima
Aloe lingua
Aloe racemosa
Aloe repens
Aloe scaberrima
Aloe subverrucosa
Aloe verrucosa var. latifolia
Aloe verrucosa var. striata
Aloe verrucula
Gasteria intermedia
Gasteria radulosa
Gasteria repens
Gasteria subverrucosa

Habitat:

This succulent thrives in the rocky, arid landscapes of South Africa, specifically in the Eastern Cape province. Its natural habitat is characterized by well-draining soil and limited water availability. Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa has adapted to survive in these challenging conditions, showcasing its resilience and ability to thrive in environments with minimal moisture.

Description:

Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa is a small perennial succulent belonging to the Asphodelaceae botanical family. The plant typically forms rosettes of thick, succulent leaves that are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The leaves are dark green, narrow, lanceolate, opposite and can grow up to 20 cm in length, exhibiting a pronounced keel along their upper surface. The warty texture on its leaves serves not only as an aesthetic feature but also as a means of reducing water loss through transpiration. One of the striking features of this plant is its attractive flowers. During the blooming season, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, the plant produces slender, tubular flowers that vary in color from pale green to reddish-pink. The flowers emerge on a tall stalk, adding an elegant and contrasting element to the overall appearance of the succulent.

Cultivation:

The plant has a slow growth rate but it easy to cultivate. The prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may lead to leaf burn. A location with filtered sunlight or partial shade is ideal. The minimum temperatures that the plant can withstand are 7° C, below this temperature it begins to suffer so it needs to be placed indoors in the coldest periods. The perfect soil is a well-drained soil that let the water to drain away and avoid root rot. To achieve this feature, you can mix the pumice soil, clay and soil. Using a perforated pot, you can drain excess water. Watering is very important for this species and should be done well: during the vegetative period you can water the plant (every 7 days), checking that the soil is completely dry before watering again; in winter you should stop the watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy. About fertilization, for this plant is sufficient to fertilize moderately during the growing season with the specific fertilizers for succulents and stop fertilizing during the winter. You should repot the plant every 2 years in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season with fresh new potting soil. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Remove any dead or withered leaves regularly to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent the risk of disease.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by leaf cutting or by division. When using cuttings, make the cut during the spring and then let it to dry for a few days; after the cut surface has dried and a formed a callus, place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil and pumice. To increase the success of propagation you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings it is recommended to maintain temperatures around 20 °C.When utilizing division, the offsets or “pups” that form around the base of the mature plant can be carefully separated and replanted in suitable soil.

Curiosity:

Its name comes from the greek Gastèr, that means belly, stomach, which refers to the shape of the flower bell-shaped, reminds a small bag which then narrows towards the top. In some South African communities, in certain traditions, succulent plants like Gasteria are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making them popular choices for ornamental purposes.

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