Gasteria acinacifolia
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Gasteria acinacifolia is a tough aloe relative with dark green leaves covered with small raised white dots. It does well in light shade or sun; however, in full sun the leaves turn dark rusty red. Its suckers freely form colonies, and offsets can be removed and replanted. Leaves are not armored so this unfussy plant makes a great addition to dry shady entryways and other pedestrian areas. Take care when transplanting as leaves can break off if handled roughly.
This is an excellent succulent for dry shady areas. It works well in containers, in rock gardens, and part shade in xeriscape and cactus gardens and is also well suited to coastal gardens. The flowers are attractive to nectar seeking birds and insects.
Gasteria acinacifolia blooms in spring and summer with pretty arching wands of 1-1.5″, bell-shaped, tubular, orange and green flowers. Its large fruiting capsules stand erect and its winged seeds are dispersed by wind.
This plant is easily propagated from cuttings and divisions. Allow cuttings to callus over before planting them in well draining medium. It can also be grown from seed.
Gasteria acinacifolia was named by the Europaean botanist Jacquin in 1811, but it is not certain who first brought it into cultivation. The specific epithet, acinacifolia, pertains to its sharp, scimitar-shaped leaves. This plant is threatened in its native habitat in Eastern Cape Province of Coastal South Africa due to housing development.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Gasteria candicans, Aloe candicans, Gasteria acinacifolia var. acinacifolia, Gasteria ensifolia, Gasteria venusta, Gasteria acinacifolia var. pluripuncta, Gasteria pluripuncta, Gasteria nitens, Gasteria inexpectata, Gasteria acinacifolia var. nitens, Gasteria acinacifolia var. venusta, Gasteria acinacifolia var. ensifolia, Aloe venusta, Aloe pluripuncta, Aloe ensifolia, Aloe acinacifolia, Aloe nitens
Common Names: Giant Gasteria
Family: Aloeaceae
Origin: Eastern Cape Province of Coastal South Africa
Height: 1-2′
Width: 1-2′
Cold Tolerance: 20 to 25°F, -6.7 to -3.9°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high heat tolerance
Light Requirement: Shade to part sun
Water needs: Very drought tolerant but likes moderate water during the growing season, Most gasterias are winter growers in Southern California where the winters are cool and rainy. In native locations, winters tend to be much drier. Summer watering can result in rot.
Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes and divide/replant offsets as desired
Uses: This is an excellent succulent for dry shady areas. It works well in containers, in rock gardens, and part shade in xeriscape and cactus gardens and is also well suited to coastal gardens. The flowers are attractive to nectar seeking birds and insects.
Propagation: This plant is easily propagated from cuttings and divisions. Allow cuttings to callus over before planting them in well draining medium. It can also be grown from seed.
Problems: Needs good drainage
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3427
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/gasteracina.htm
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/71111/
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Asphodelaceae/Gasteria_acinacifolia.html
Shipping & Availability
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There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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