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ABOUT THIS GASTERIA
Nigricans Gasteria, VERY LARGE and rosette forming. Nigricans is fast growing however only requires a three to four inch pot. Gasteria are well suited to both indoor and outdoor container growing. Gasteria prefer partial or dappled shade in the garden setting and are perfect for windowsill succulent gardens. Native to South Africa, Gasteria are unusual, rigid flowering plants that can survive up to 5 years without a single drop of water and can easily be propagated by off-sets and rooted leaf cuttings.
These are very healthy Gasterias with well established root systems. In a container, your new Nigricans will add desert feel to your porch or patio, in the ground it can reach it’s full potential in just a season or two when planted in a well drained, sandy cactus mix.
Please note: Lower leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress. The growth rate of Nigricans will vary greatly depending on season, soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Always changing!
GASTERIA CARE
Nigricans are very easy to grow drought tollerant Gasterias that and seem to grow best when neglected. They add a wonderful accent to any desert garden or patio. In very cold zones a containerized Nigricans can be brought inside for the winter months. Most will survive a very light frost and quickly return to normal in spring. In the northern end of their grow zone Nigricans Gasterias should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months.
When you receive your new Gasteria open your box carefully and water if dry. Please take your time when opening. Most foliage damage occurs when the box is ripped open in the excitement of receiving new plants. Many plants, especially succulents, are very fragile and most be handled cautiously.
CONTAINER SIZE
Most gardeners don’t realize that Gasterias grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 5″ to a 8″ diameter, 4″ deep container will suffice, however the smaller variety Gasterias will do well in a small 4″ round pot. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Gasteria will be. When the Gasteria becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Nigricans enjoy well drained, sandy cactus mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Nigricans, fertilize sparingly, biannually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. WARNING – The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers may damage the roots thus killing the Gasteria.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9b-11, find your zone here. This Gasteria requires 85-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is best. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted Gasteria will flourish over the summer months in this zone but must be brought inside for the winter months. (avoid frost)
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
Here at Kens Nursery these Gasterias are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this Gasteria to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Gasterias for sale will vary in size. In the spring, Gasterias are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Most Gasterias designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. (click-here)
Note: Before leaving, Gasterias are inspected and pruned if necessary to facilitate shipping. Your new Gasteria is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your Gasteria is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased. You may want to buy Nigricans online now while they are in stock.