Gasteria batesiana var. dolomitica 'Hot Chocolate'

Origin: EVJ 15081, Ostend, near Penge, Limpopo Province, South Africa
 
This beautiful cultivar has rich and dark, chocolate to reddish-brown coloured leaves. It is smaller growing and compact.

Gasteria batesiana var. dolomitica is the northernmost occurring Gasteria. This unique form pertains to dolomite formations where they are found growing on these dolomite cliffs. It is also the only known Gasteria that can produce small plants from where their leaf tips make contact with soil in favourable conditions.

Plant size: Well established plants grown in 7,5 cm pots are offered. The first photo is of the plants for sale, the other photo is of our mother plant.
 
About Gasteria
 
Gasteria is a small genus of easy-growing Southern African plants, commonly known as "beestong" (Afrikaans) which translates to Ox Tongue, for its rough textured strap-shaped leaves, this is especially a character of Gasteria batesiana.
 
There are about 30 recognised species and are predominantly found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, but also known from the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal,and Mpumalanga. The genus is nearly endemic to South Africa, but is also recorded from Namibia and Swaziland.
 
Caring for your Gasteria
 
Pot: Gasterias does best as container plants due to their slow nature. Do not over-pot your Gasteria. They like to grow in smaller containers, and the plants are also more compact.
 
Soil: The plants prefer a well drained soil, a mixture of sandy soil with some organic matter
 
Light: The brighter the light, the more colourful your plant. Gasterias can grow in shady to brighter conditions. However, they are more compact and colourful when bright light is given. Avoid direct sunlight if the plant is not used to it.
 
Water: Gasteria plants like to be watered every two weeks in summer and reduced in winter. Your plant should dry out for a few days between watering. Over-watering can cause the leaves to burst and crack along the length.