HAWORTHIA AND SUCCULENT AUCTION



This blog is dedicated to plants from desert regions around the world as well as plants that have adapted to withstand arid conditions, but do not occur in real deserts. Many of the plants are found in arid semi-desert regions. There will be a greater emphasis on succulent plants, but others will also be included. This blog deals with desert plants of the Americas, Africa, Arabia and others. We are situated in South Africa and South African plants are likely to feature more dominantly. The pictures taken are from our private botanical desert garden at Leopoort near Oudtshoorn, from plants in nature, as well as other collections.


Also visit out sister blog Desert Plants Images






Gasteria vlokii is a mountain dweller. The plants have their distribution in the Swartberg mountain range which forms the natural border between the two semi-desert regions, the Little Karoo and the Great Karoo. Gasteria vlokii is also found in the Witteberg mountains in the Willowmore district.

The plants are distichous when young and rosette-forming when older. Protection from the sun seems an important component of their survival and Gasteria vlokii is usually found under bushes or in rock crevices.

So far their seem to be two forms, a small and a larger growing form.

Gasteria vlokii is quite easy to cultivate. Good drainage is essential and a mixture of sand and compost should be ideal. The plants are fairly frost resistant as in their natural habitat the plants are occasionally covered with snow during the winter months.

The inflorescence is a simple raceme and the flowers are red-pink.


Gasteria vlokii, the small form, in a rock crevice en route Gamkaskloof in the Swartberg,


Gasteria vlokii can form huge clumps on the steep ledges.

Gasteria vlokiiA larger form on the Swartberg Pass in flower.

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