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Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii Dwarf
Ideally, place in partial shade.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
It can withstand temperatures as low as -3.9 °C for short periods. However, the plant is not frost-resistant.
The leaves of this Gasteria have a bumpy surface that resembles the texture of the human tongue.
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii Dwarf is a dwarf form also known by the common name Cow Tongue and sometimes listed under the synonym Gasteria armstrongii. In nature, it grows on grasslands in the Gamtoos Valley near Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In cultivation, several clones exist with variations in leaf size and shape, and many forms have been further developed especially in Japan.
This form is characterized by very dark green to almost black leaves that are short, closely attached, and form a compact clump. The leaves are thick, lie close to the ground, and have a rough, bumpy surface resembling a tongue. They grow in only two directions, and the rosette usually carries 2 to 4 leaves, reaching up to about 10 cm in width. It is a slow-growing succulent.
The inflorescences are unbranched and can grow up to 50 cm long. They carry pinkish-red flowers with yellow-green tips, typically stomach-shaped, reaching up to 2.5 cm in length.
This plant is easy to grow, develops slowly, and can be occasionally fertilized during the growing season. If you are looking for a compact dwarf Gasteria with very dark foliage, this form can be an excellent choice for a collection.