Gasteria.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Succulent

Light

Bright indirect light is best, though it can handle some morning sun.

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 14 to 28 days

Mature size

6 to 12 inches

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Late winter to spring

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for mushy leaves, which indicate too much water, or shriveled leaves, which mean it needs a drink. Keep it in a well draining mix to ensure the roots stay healthy.

Watering

Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced succulent fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base as needed.

Repotting

Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.

Soil

Well draining cactus or succulent mix

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

5 to 35°C

Humidity

20 to 50%

Drought tolerance

High

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The plant is generally considered non-toxic but can cause mild irritation if ingested.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The stiff, pointed leaves can be sharp, so keep it out of reach of very small children.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

• Thick tongue shaped succulent leaves
• Leaves arranged in two rows
• Rough or warty leaf texture
• Spotted white or pale markings
• Arching racemes of tubular flowers

Height

0.15 to 0.3m

Spread

0.2 to 0.4m

Leaves

dark green, mottled white, evergreen

Flowers

pink, orange, green, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

• Mealybugs · Small white cottony insects that cluster in leaf axils.
• Root rot · Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.

Growing it

Propagation

division, leaf cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

Move to a frost-free location and keep the soil very dry during the winter months.

In containers

It is excellent for containers, provided the pot has drainage holes and is not too large for the root system.

Group succulents with similar water needs to prevent accidental overwatering of the Gasteria.

Grows well with

• Haworthia · They share similar light and water requirements.
• Jade Plant · Both plants thrive in well-draining succulent soil.

Similar species

• Aloe · They are related succulents but usually require more direct sunlight.
• Gasteria carinata · It has a similar growth habit but with more pronounced leaf keels.

Science

Family

Asphodelaceae

Genus

Gasteria

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

South Africa

Conservation

This species is not currently listed as endangered in its native range.

It grows in rocky, shaded crevices in its native habitat to avoid intense heat.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental succulent, container plant, rock garden specimen

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Gasteria?

Water only when the soil has dried out completely, usually every two to three weeks.

Does it need direct sun?

No, it prefers bright, indirect light and can burn in harsh, direct afternoon sun.

Where the name comes from

The name Gasteria refers to the stomach-shaped flowers, while obliqua refers to the slanted or oblique shape of the leaves.

Good to know

• Gasteria are often called ox tongue plants due to their rough, tongue-shaped leaves.
• They are slow-growing succulents that thrive in bright, indirect light.
• The leaves are arranged in a distichous pattern, meaning they grow in two opposite rows.

Also in

• Drought-tolerant plants