Overview
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. It is a small and compact plant that is known for its unique appearance and easy to maintain nature. The plant is native to South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape Province.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as 'Ox tongue' due to the shape of its leaves, which are long and narrow with a protruding tip similar to the tongue of an ox. Other common names include 'exclamation plant' and 'Christmas window plant'.
Appearance
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a small and compact plant that can grow up to 30cm in height. It has thick and fleshy leaves that are dark green in color with white spots scattered throughout. The leaves are pointed and have a rough texture. The plant also produces flowers that grow on a tall stalk, which can bloom in shades of pink or orange in the summer months.
Uses
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as well as indoor settings. It is a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts due to its attractive appearance and easy growth habits. As a succulent, it requires minimal watering and can survive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirements
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. grows best in partially shaded or shaded areas. This plant can survive in full sun, but it may lead to leaf scorching and other issues. A good practice is to provide the plant 4-6 hours of sunlight per day and place it in an area where it can receive indirect light for the rest of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. is between 60 – 80°F (15.5 – 26.7°C). This plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations, but extreme temperatures may negatively affect its growth and survival. Moreover, this plant does not tolerate frost, and it is best to keep it in a warm area during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. requires well-draining soil. A good mix includes a combination of cactus soil, perlite, and sand. This type of soil allows for proper drainage and prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Moreover, this plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Cultivation methods
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a small, slow-growing succulent plant that requires a loose, well-draining potting medium. The plant should be grown in a pot with a drainage hole. It prefers to be planted in a sandy, loamy soil mix mixed with perlite or pumice. The plant should not be overpotted as that can lead to waterlogging.
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii should be placed in bright but indirect light with protection from harsh afternoon sun. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors as it tolerates a range of temperatures from 50-90°F (10-32°C).
Watering needs
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a succulent that prefers to be kept on the drier side. It requires watering once a week during summers and can go longer during winters. The plant should be watered deeply in the early morning or late afternoon and allowed to dry out between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot and can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii requires little fertilization. The plant can be fertilized once a month during summers using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. No fertilization is required during winters when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a slow-growing plant that does not require regular pruning. However, the leaves of the plant occasionally dry out and should be removed using a sharp, sterile tool. The plant should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv.
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. can be propagated by various methods. Let's explore the three major methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. can be propagated by seeds but is not the most common method. Collect mature seed pods when they turn brown, dry and split open. Extend the seeds on vermiculite, and try to maintain warm and humid conditions. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. When the seedlings grow their first leaves, move them to individual pots with well-drained soil.
Propagation by Division
Division is perhaps the most practical and common way to propagate Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. Wait for the mother plant to produce new shoots and wait until the offsets are at least a third the size of a parent. Carefully remove the shoot from the parent plant, tease the roots apart and then start an individual pot with a well-drained soil mix. Water the plant for a couple of weeks after potting to aid root formation.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. can also be propagated using leaf cuttings. Take a sharp knife and cut a healthy leaf close to the stem base, making sure to include some of the plant's stem. Some gardeners prefer to dry the leaf for a day or two before sticking the wounded end into a well-drained potting mix. Keep the mix moist, and you should have a new plant straight growing from the leaf in just a few weeks. If your leaf cutting has started to wilt or dry during the process, apply rooting hormone before planting it in well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. is generally a hardy plant but can fall prey to certain diseases under unfavorable conditions. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease manifests as circular brownish/black spots on the leaves, and it can be caused by several fungi. Fungal leaf spots can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation. Affected leaves should be promptly removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can cause the roots of the plant to rot. This can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To prevent root rot, always use well-draining soil and water the plant sparingly.
- Viral Diseases: Viral infections are usually caused by insects and can result in the death of the plant. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections, and the best approach is to remove and destroy the affected plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv. is relatively pest-resistant. However, some insect pests can still cause problems and damage the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Mealybugs: These insects are white, fluffy, and usually found on the undersides of leaves. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become stunted. Mealybugs can be treated with a mixture of soap and water or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny spider-like insects that suck sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and turn yellow. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them or by using insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: These insects are brown, oval-shaped, and typically found on the undersides of leaves. They also suck sap from the plant and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and promptly addressing any problems that arise is crucial in maintaining the health and beauty of Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw. var. armstrongii (Schönland) Van Jaarsv.
