Dwarf Gasteria
Family
Aloaceae
Origin
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Description
Gasteria Liliputana var. is a rare, dwarf succulent perennial with leaves in a rosette. They form short, leafy stems instead of basal rosettes. One of the smallest Gasterias with glossy deep green slightly pointed spotted leaves. They are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. Gasteria 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 is a dwarf succulent perennial with leafy stems, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The leaves are dark green mottled with cream spots, 1.5 - 2 inches (3 - 5 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are small about 0.8 inch (2 cm), pendulous, tubular to globose, bicolored, reddish-pink and green flowers that look like little stomachs. The inflorescence can be simple or branched and very tall (up to 5 feet/1.5 m high).
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
