Gasteria acinacifolia (huttoniae)

Gasteria acinacifolia (huttoniae)

Family: Asphodelaceae

Native to the East coast of South Africa. Plants erect or sometimes decumbent rosettes up to 750 mm tall and 650 mm in diameter, solitary or dividing to form small, dense groups. The linear, spear-shaped to strap-shaped, sickle-shaped leaves are up to 600 mm long, 45-100 mm broad at the base. Both surfaces are smooth, dark green, with dense white spots arranged in transverse bands.

Sowing instructions: Sow the seeds during the cool, early summer months of the year in a light, sandy, loam mixture in a seed tray, 4 mm below the soil surface. If sown too deep, they will be smothered and probably not germinate. Ensure there is adequate drainage. A light mixture constitutes materials such as pumice, gravel, perlite and fine-textured humus. On top of this mixture, sprinkle a thin layer of coarse sand. Keep the area weed free and water with a fine mist spray every second day. Ensure the seed trays are in a sunny position.

Locality: Grahamstown. Harvest: January 2024