Gasteria
Gasteria
Ox-tongue
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Taxonomy
Family Asphodelaceae · Genus Gasteria
Description
Gasteria are easygoing South African succulents with thick, tongue-shaped leaves often speckled or banded. Shade-tolerant and compact, they thrive on neglect and make great beginner plants for desks, shelves, and bright-to-low indoor spots.
Common Names
Ox-tongueCow’s TongueLawyer’s TongueGasteria
Context
nativeRegion
Southern Africa (primarily South Africa: Eastern/Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal).
usdaZones
9–11 (outdoors in mild, frost-free climates; otherwise grow indoors).
companionPlants
Haworthia (Haworthiopsis), Aloe, Sansevieria (Dracaena trifasciata), Crassula ovata, Sedum
culturalUses
Ornamental houseplant for low-light spots, rock and xeriscape gardens; traditionally planted near homes in parts of South Africa and valued as a hardy, protective accent.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to light shade; tolerates lower light better than most succulents. Morning sun is fine; avoid harsh midday sun.
WateringWater thoroughly, then let 75–100% of the mix dry. Reduce in winter. Err on the dry side to prevent rot.
SoilVery fast-draining cactus/succulent mix with extra pumice or perlite (30–50%). Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerLight feeder: diluted balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer (1/4–1/2 strength) monthly in spring–summer; none in winter.
HumidityAverage indoor humidity (30–50%) is ideal; ensure good airflow and keep leaves dry to avoid rot.
TemperatureBest at 60–85°F (16–29°C). Can tolerate brief dips to ~40–45°F (4–7°C); protect from frost.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitRosette-forming, often distichous when young; clumps by offsets.
Mature SizeTypically 4–12 in (10–30 cm) tall and 6–18 in (15–45 cm) wide, depending on species/cultivar.
Growth RateSlow to moderate growth.
BloomingLate winter to spring; arching spikes of tubular, ‘stomach-shaped’ pink-green flowers attractive to pollinators.
DormancySlows in winter; some forms may semi-dorm during extreme heat or drought.
Propagation
MethodsOffsets (division), Leaf cuttings, Seeds
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent flower stalks and any dried or damaged leaves at the base. Thin offsets to shape clumps.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years or when crowded; use a shallow pot with fresh, gritty mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for mealybugs (including root mealybugs), scale, and fungus gnats in wet soil. Overwatering leads to root/leaf rot; sun scorch can cause leaf spots.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
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