Gasteria bicolor var. bicolor young leaves

Grown from seed, these young Gasteria bicolor var. bicolor plants show early phases in leaf-shape development. The leaves start off triangular, soon bulging in their upper margins, but still pointed until the characteristic broad strap-shape with rounded tip is assumed.

Stems will lengthen, but the leaves retain their distichous arrangement, new leaves added upon the two vertical stacks, not twisting into a rosette.

Colour variations may relate to the effects of overpopulation upon the seedlings overdue for a transplant. Destined to become much longer, these much-speckled leaves have already started playing their colour games like would-be chameleons (iSpot; www.cactus-art.biz).