Gasteria glomerata

Synonyms:

No synonyms are recorded for this species name.

Habitat:

Gasteria glomerata is native to a specific region and is found only in the lower Kouga River, which is now part of the Kouga Dam in the southeastern Cape Province of South Africa.
In its natural habitat, Gasteria glomerata thrives in challenging and rugged terrain. The plants are specifically located on steep, vertical, and shady south-facing rocky ledges, situated at an altitude ranging from 500 to 700 meters. These areas feature minerally poor and slightly acidic quartzitic sandstone soils, with a pH level of approximately 6.4. The climate in this region is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with no occurrence of frost. The annual rainfall, ranging from 300 to 400 mm, is distributed across both summer and winter seasons, although there is a tendency towards dry conditions during the winter months.

Description:

Gasteria glomerata is a small succulent that doesn’t have a stem, growing only about 1.5 to 4 cm tall. It tends to spread out and form round clusters that can be 2 to 8 cm in size.
The leaves of this plant are fat and can be shaped like wide ovals or straps. They are gray-green or glaucous and can be about 15 to 25 mm long and 15 to 20 mm wide at the base. The leaves are a bit rough, somewhat pebbly, and might have a rounded or truncate tip. During the dry season, the leaves tend to flatten.
In the spring, Gasteria glomerata produces a flower stalk that can be 120 to 200 mm long, carrying 8 to 20 hanging flowers. The flowers are small and delicate, shaped like little pitchers. They are mostly orange with green-brown tips.
After the flowers are pollinated, the plant forms a capsule that becomes upright when mature. This capsule opens at the top to release flat black seeds. The seeds are about 2 to 3 mm long and 1.5 to 2.0 mm wide.
Overall, Gasteria glomerata is known for its unique leaves, interesting flower stalk, and pretty orange flowers. It typically blooms in the spring.

Cultivation:

Gasteria glomerata is a slow-growing, yet resilient and easy-to-care-for succulent. Its growth pace may be leisurely, but it is a long-lived plant that thrives both in the ground, particularly in warm climates, or within containers. This species is suitable for cultivation by enthusiasts of varying expertise levels.
When cultivating Gasteria glomerata, it is advisable to plant seedlings in small containers once they have reached a manageable size. The ideal soil should be a well-draining and highly porous potting mix to enhance drainage. This succulent benefits from a habitat with light shade to partial shade. However, with gradual acclimatization, it can tolerate exposure to a substantial amount of sunlight.
Gasteria glomerata is notably resilient against fungal leaf spot, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant that retains an appealing appearance. In terms of watering, this succulent requires moderate moisture during the summer months but should be kept on the drier side throughout the winter. Fertilization is recommended only once during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
With its adaptability to various growing conditions, Gasteria glomerata is a charming and enduring choice for succulent enthusiasts, whether planted directly in the ground or showcased in containers.

Propagation:

You can easily make new Gasteria plants by taking offshoots or using leaf cuttings in spring or summer. To do this, remove a leaf and let it sit for about a month to allow the cut area to heal. Place the leaf on a cool windowsill for at least three weeks to let it dry and heal. It’s a good idea to treat the bottom part with a fungicide. Plant the leaves in sandy soil either standing up or lying down. They’ll grow roots quickly, and you can harvest young plants in the following season.
If you prefer, you can also grow Gasteria from seeds. Plant the seeds in sandy, well-drained soil during spring or summer, and make sure to shield them from direct sunlight. You can pollinate the plants by using a matchstick to transfer pollen from one flower to another. If pollination doesn’t happen, the flower won’t develop into a new plant.

Curiosity:

Gasteria glomerata has been discovered by van Jaarsv during his boat trip along the Kouga Dam in South Africa. The species name ‘Glomerata’ means “gathered together”, making reference to the way, in which its orange flowers are positioned – grouped on the long peduncle.

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