Gasteria liliputana 'Variegata'
Family
Aloaceae
Origin
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Description
Gasteria are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing succulent. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off .
Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana f. variegata is a rare, dwarf succulent perennial with has short, dense leaves, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall stems, textured with white spots and porcelain edges. It even maintains some of the forest green coloration, but most of the leaf gives way to that bright yellow color. Flowers are small, about 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, pendulous, tubular to globose, bicolored reddish-pink and green, and look like little stomachs.
Environment
Gasterias are popular undemanding indoor succulent plants, tolerating a little shade and infrequent watering. However, some sun ensures a compact growth habit, attractive leaf coloration in some species and abundant flowers
These decorative little plants can be grown in interesting containers such as tea cups and even miniature baby shoes. Make sure the container had adequate drainage. If it doesn t, it might be a good idea to pop the plant out of its container and add a layer of gravel to the bottom to reduce the wicking action of the soil above.
Propogation
Gasteria is easily propagated by the removal of offshoots or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, remove a leaf and let it lie for about one month, giving the wound time to heal. Then lay the leaf on its side with the basal part buried in the soil. This leaf should root within a month or two, and small plants will form at the leaf base. They can also grown from seed.
Landscape Use
Suitable for Container, Rock Garden & Xeriscaping
