Overview
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker is a succulent plant belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. It is an evergreen plant that is native to South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape Province.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Small ox tongue" or "Little ox tongue". The name ox tongue is derived from the plant's long and protruding leaves that resemble the tongue of an ox.
General Appearance
Gasteria carinata var. parva is a small succulent plant that grows up to 10 cm tall and 20 cm wide. It has fleshy, triangular shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves have raised white ridges that run along the length of the leaves. These ridges give the plant a distinctive appearance. The leaves are arranged in a rosette formation and curve downward. The plant has small tubular flowers that are greenish white in color and appear on a long stalk.
Uses
Gasteria carinata var. parva is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. It is well suited for indoor cultivation and can be grown in pots or containers. It is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal watering. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. The gel-like substance found inside the leaves has been used to treat wounds, burns and skin irritations.
Light Requirements
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker prefers bright indirect light. It is susceptible to sunburn, so it should not be placed in direct sunlight. It can also tolerate low light conditions, but this may result in slower growth and elongation of stems.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. It prefers average room temperatures of around 60-80°F (16-27°C), but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C). However, it is essential to keep a consistent temperature to prevent stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker requires a well-draining soil mixture. A common mix for this plant is a combination of succulent soil, perlite, and sand. It does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of around 6.0-7.0. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot in this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker, also known as little dwarf ox tongue, is a succulent plant with low maintenance requirements. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in moderate to warm climates. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and can be grown in sandy or well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant should be positioned in a location that is protected from intense sunlight, wind, and frost.
Watering Needs
The little dwarf ox tongue requires moderate watering. Water should be provided when the soil is dry to the touch, and the plant should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to drain completely. The plant is susceptible to root rot, so care should be taken to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged. In the winter months, the plant requires less frequent watering, as it goes into a dormant state.
Fertilization
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker does not require frequent fertilization. However, it can benefit from regular feeding during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil and not directly to the plant, and care should be taken to water the plant thoroughly after fertilization.
Pruning
Little dwarf ox tongue generally does not require pruning, but removing spent leaves can help improve the plant's appearance. Dead or damaged leaves should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be propagated by removing and replanting offsets that develop at the base of the parent plant.
Propagation of Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It is a clumping plant that produces offsets or pups, making it an easy plant to propagate. Propagation can be done through several methods, including division, seed, and leaf cuttings.
Division
The easiest and most common method of propagating Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker is through division. This involves separating the offsets or pups from the parent plant and planting them in their own pot. To do this, carefully remove the pup or offset from the parent plant, making sure to keep the roots intact. Plant the pup or offset in a pot with well-draining soil and water it lightly. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the plant establishes itself.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can also be used to propagate Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker, but this method takes longer and requires more attention. Sow the seeds in a pot with well-draining soil and cover lightly with soil. Water the pot lightly and place it in a warm, bright spot. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have established themselves, they can be transplanted into their own pots.
Leaf Cuttings
Gasteria carinata (Mill.) Duval var. parva (Haw.) Baker can also be propagated through leaf cuttings, although this method is less reliable. To do this, remove a healthy leaf from the parent plant and let it dry for a few days. Once the leaf has dried, plant it into a pot with well-draining soil and water it lightly. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and the leaf should begin to grow roots. Eventually, the leaf will develop new plants at the base, which can be separated from the parent leaf and planted in their own pots.
Disease Management
Gasteria carinata var. parva is a fairly disease-resistant plant. It is susceptible to a few common diseases like root rot, leaf spots, and bacterial infections. However, these can be prevented and managed by following proper cultural practices and identifying the symptoms early on.
Root Rot: Overwatering, poor drainage and damp soil can lead to root rot. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and soft mushy roots. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil has good drainage and allow the soil to dry out before watering the plant. In cases where root rot is persistent, it may be necessary to replant the plant in fresh soil.
Leaf Spots: Fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause leaf spots. They appear as brown or black spots on the leaves. Overhead watering can cause the spores to spread. To control leaf spots, remove the affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may be used in severe cases.
Bacterial Infections: Prolonged wetness on the leaves can lead to bacterial infections. Symptoms include black, water-soaked patches on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Copper fungicides may be used preventively.
Pest Management
Gasteria carinata var. parva can be affected by pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. It is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation.
Mealybugs: These pests look like white cottony patches on the leaves and stems. They suck the sap out of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To control mealybugs, rub them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Scale: These are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems. They can also create a sticky substance that attracts ants. Scale insects can be controlled by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: These are very small pests that cause yellow spots on the leaves and webs between the leaves. They can also cause the leaves to curl and fall off. Spider mites can be controlled by washing the plant with a jet of water or by applying neem oil or insecticidal soap.
