Ethereal Resilience: Gasteraloe 'Spirit of 88' (cv. 'Thais')

A rare, architectural hybrid prized for its pearlescent texture and symmetrical geometry.

1. Origin & History of Name The name "Gasteraloe" is a portmanteau of its parent genera, Gasteria and Aloe. The cultivar name 'Spirit of 88' is often associated with Asian horticultural circles, where the number 88 symbolizes double fortune and prosperity. The secondary name 'Thais' refers to the famous Athenian hetaira who accompanied Alexander the Great, reflecting the plant's elegant and "classical" aesthetic.
2. Morphology This hybrid features a compact, stemless rosette of thick, lanceolate leaves. Its epidermis is a deep forest green, distinguished by dense, raised white tubercles (wart-like bumps) that give it a rough, sandpaper-like texture. Unlike many succulents, its leaves are arranged in a multiseriate (spiraled) pattern, often exhibiting a subtle distichous (two-ranked) arrangement when young.
3. Habitat & Origin Gasteraloe 'Spirit of 88' is an anthropogenic cultivar, not found in the wild. It is a stable intergeneric hybrid, likely crossing Gasteria verrucosa with a smaller Aloe species. This breeding path combines the shade tolerance and hardiness of Gasteria with the structural uprightness of Aloe, making it a sustainable choice for indoor gardeners.
4. Cultivation Profile

• Substrate: A strictly mineral-based, gritty mix is essential. Use a ratio of 50% inorganic material (pumice, perlite, or crushed brick) to 50% coco-peat or leaf mold.
• Light: In the Indian subcontinent, provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct midday summer sun (March–June), which can scorch the epidermis; a north or east-facing balcony is ideal.
• Water/Dormancy: Follow the "soak and dry" method. Water thoroughly, then allow the medium to dry completely. During the monsoon and peak winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant enters a semi-dormant state.

5. Scientific/Historical Anecdote Intergeneric hybrids like Gasteraloe are possible because Gasteria and Aloe belong to the same subfamily, Asphodeloideae. While they diverged millions of years ago, their genetic compatibility remains so high that they can still produce viable offspring, a phenomenon that continues to fascinate botanists studying the evolution of succulent plant DNA.