Astroloba FOLIOLOSA

Astroloba FOLIOLOSA - Small-leaved astroloba, Astroloba foliolosa.

Astroloba is a genus of succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae, comprising about 6 species and distributed in South Africa, mainly in the Cape Province.

Plants of this genus are compact slow-growing succulents with erect or decumbent stems. Leaves are small, triangular or oval, tightly arranged in a spiral along the stem, forming neat geometric patterns.

Flowering occurs in the warm season. Flowers are small, tubular or starry, white or greenish-white, gathered in loose racemes. Fruits are elongated capsules with small black seeds.

Small-leaved astroloba is a compact succulent up to 20-30 cm (7.9-11.8 in) tall. Shoots are erect or slightly decumbent. Leaves are triangular, small, tightly pressed against each other, bright green, sometimes with whitish dots, densely arranged in a spiral along the stem.

Flowering is observed from spring to early autumn. Flowers are small, tubular, white with a green tint, gathered in loose racemes on short peduncles. Fruits are elongated capsules with numerous small seeds.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moistened loose substrate without burying into the soil. The container is covered with glass or film, and regular ventilation is conducted. The germination temperature is maintained at 22-26 °C (72-79 °F) in diffused light.

Seedlings appear after 3-6 weeks. After the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, pricking out into individual pots is carried out. Young plants are provided with good lighting and cautious watering without water stagnation.

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Cultivation in sunny or brightly lit locations is recommended. Indoors, it is placed on south- or east-facing windows. With a lack of lighting, the plant loses its compact shape and stretches out.

During the warm season, a temperature of 22-30 °C (72-86 °F) is maintained. In winter, keeping at a temperature of 8-14 °C (46-57 °F) is preferable. Watering is carried out after the substrate dries out completely. In the winter period, watering is minimal; waterlogging is not permitted.

A loose mineral substrate for cacti and succulents is used. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years by the transshipment method. Drainage is mandatory to prevent water stagnation.

From April to August, fertilizers for succulents are applied once a month at half concentration. In the autumn-winter period, feedings are stopped. Excess fertilizer can cause elongation of stems.

Sanitary pruning is carried out if necessary to remove old or damaged shoots. Propagation is carried out by seeds or separation of lateral shoots.