How to Grow and Care for Gasteria

Native to South Africa, gasteria (Gasteria spp.) is a genus of relatively rare, ​aloe-like succulents. It sometimes goes by the common name of "ox tongue" because it typically has long leaves with a rough texture. This slow-growing plant tolerates lower light conditions even lightly shaded more than many other succulents do, making it a good option for a houseplant. Planting is best done in the spring, though you generally can start them as houseplants at any point. Gasteria plants are marked with interesting patterns and colors. Moreover, mature gasteria plants typically produce tubular, curved flowers in the winter to spring.

Gasteria Care

Gasteria thrives both as an indoor plant and in the outdoor garden if these main care requirements are met.

• Choose a spot that gets plenty of light but not direct sunlight.
• Bring indoor potted gasteria outdoors and place in light shade for the summer.
• Provide shelter from rainfall as these plants don't react well to direct water on leaves.
• Plant in conditions that drain well as good drainage is key to this plant's health.

Light

These plants appreciate bright light but not harsh and direct sun. Protect them from hot afternoon sunlight. White or yellow leaves can signify that the plant is getting too much sun.

Soil

For container plantings, use a cactus potting mix or another fast-draining potting soil mixed with a few handfuls of sand. For garden plantings, somewhat sandy soils with a pH of around 6 to 7 are best to provide sufficient drainage.

Water

Like other succulents, these plants don't need much water. Allow the soil to almost completely dry out between waterings. If the plant gets rainfall outdoors, usually no supplemental watering will be necessary.

Temperature and Humidity

Gasteria generally likes warm summers and slightly cool winters (down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). This places them in Zones 9 to 11 in the United States where there's no chance of deadly frost. During warm weather, gasteria leaves might turn a lighter, brighter color, which is perfectly natural.

Like most succulents, gasteria plants don't enjoy very humid environments. If you live in a humid climate, only water your plant when the soil is dry as the humidity will provide much of the plant's required moisture.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once every spring with a cactus fertilizer. Refer to the label instructions for the recommended amount. Gasteria plants like a bit more organic matter in their soil than most succulents do, so mixing in about 10 percent of compost at the time of planting can be a good idea.

Types of Gasteria

There are more than 20 gasteria species, including:

• G. carinata var. verrucosa: This species has distinctive thick and oblong leaves covered with white warts and grows in rocky surfaces.
• G. maculata: With features similar to G. carinata var. verrucosa but without the warty protrusions, this species is darker green with rough-edged leaves.
• G. batesiana 'Little Warty': This plant is a small cultivar that only reaches 4 inches in height, with rough. pointed, mottled leaves.
• G. glomerata: This is a compact size gasteria plant that remains only 4 inches tall and has tongue-shaped, gray-green leaves.

Propagating Gasteria

Gasteria is easily propagated using offsets, the same way you plant succulent cuttings. Propagating is the best way to fill out a pot and make sure the plants remain plump and full as they grow. You can do this every year or two in the spring. Here's how:

1. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors when removing offsets. Cut as close to the parent plant's stem as you can, including as many roots attached to the offset as possible.
2. Allow the offset to dry and callus over for at least a few hours before repotting it.
3. Plant the offset in a small pot, using the same soil type that the parent plant has.
4. Put the pot in a warm, bright spot, and keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) until you see growth in a few weeks' time.

Potting and Repotting Gasteria

When potting gasteria, choose a container with ample drainage holes. Many gardeners prefer unglazed terra-cotta pots, which allow soil moisture to evaporate through their walls. This helps to prevent rot issues from overwatering. Also, opt for a shallow and wide container over a deep and narrow one, as these plants grow shallow roots.

Furthermore, because gasteria plants grow slowly and remain small even when they're mature, you likely won't have to repot often. But over time, mature plants will send up baby offset plants, which can eventually overcrowd the container. You can either repot the whole cluster of plants into a larger container or remove the offsets from the parent plant and place them in separate containers.

Overwintering

Succulents will normally go "dormant" in the winter when they sense a change in lighting, temperature, or humidity. This is perfectly normal. If you notice your gasteria's leaves wrinkling during this "rest" time, give it a little bit of water. It will still need light but not as much during this time. Place it where it can receive a few hours of indirect light each day.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Gasteria plants are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. This is typically the result of too much humidity or water on the leaves. Fortunately, these fungal infections usually don't spread quickly, and can be contained by keeping the plant drier, with more air moving by, and using a fungicidal soap. Black spots can also appear if the plant is roughly handled. Gasteria can "bruise" easily. Be gentle with the plant at all times.