Question
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I bought a succulent at a greenhouse and there was no name tag with it. I have a plant card my mom got in the seventies with an image that looks like the plant I bought. The name on the card said Wart Plant and the Latin name was Haworthia mucronata. However, when I tried to find it online I found the Little Zebra plant and I couldn't find anything about a "wart plant". I really would like to find out what my plant is so that I can properly care for it. From the base to the tip of the highest leaf it is 6 1/2 inches tall. It has wide dark green leaves with small whitish bumps. There's a hardness to the leaves like that of a Haworthia, but they grow in the shape of an aloe vera. I also have attached a few pictures of it. I hope you are able to figure this out for me. Thanks!
AnswerAmy,
Your plant is a Gasteria bicolor. It is a succulent that should be treated similar to a cactus. Gasteria does best in bright and indirect light with some morning and/or evening sun. If not variegated it tolerates a half shady place. During the summer you can place it at a rain protected place in the garden or on the balcony.
The soil should be well drained, a standard cactus potting mix can be used. Give it as much water until it flows out the pot抯 bottom hole then empty the drain tray of all excess water. Before watering next allow to dry.
A cactus fertilizer can be given in 1/4 to a 1/2 concentration. During spring and summer fertilize monthly and if placed at room temperature during the winter every six to eight weeks. Re-potted plants don抰 need fertilizer for the first eight weeks.
Gasteria carinata can be placed at 10-15 ?C (50-59 癴) in winter. then the soil must kept nearly dry without fertilizing. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.
Darlene
