Gasteria obliqua
Gasteria obliqua
Oblique Gasteria
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Taxonomy
Family Asphodelaceae · Genus Gasteria
Description
Gasteria obliqua is a compact, shade-tolerant succulent with thick, tongue-shaped leaves mottled in pale spots. It’s tough, slow-growing, and happy in bright indirect light, making it an easy, forgiving houseplant for beginners and collectors alike.
Common Names
Oblique GasteriaOx TongueCow’s TongueLawyer’s Tongue
Context
nativeRegion
South Africa (Eastern to Western Cape), often on rocky, shaded slopes and under thicket.
usdaZones
9b–11
companionPlants
Haworthia (Haworthiopsis), Aloe, Gasteraloe hybrids, Crassula, Echeveria, Sansevieria (Dracaena trifasciata)
culturalUses
Ornamental for containers, windowsills, and rock or xeric gardens; valued for shade tolerance in succulent displays.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to light shade; morning sun is fine. Avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
WateringWater thoroughly, then let soil dry 100% before watering again. Reduce in winter and during very hot spells.
SoilFast-draining cactus/succulent mix with extra mineral grit (pumice/perlite 30–50%).
FertilizerDilute cactus fertilizer (1/4–1/2 strength) monthly in spring–summer; none in winter.
HumidityLow to average household humidity (30–50%); ensure good airflow.
TemperatureIdeal 60–80°F (16–27°C). Protect from frost; brief minimum about 40°F (4°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSmall rosette-forming succulent; often distichous when young, clustering with age via offsets.
Mature SizeIndividual rosettes 4–8 in tall and 6–10 in wide; clumps can spread 12–18+ in.
Growth RateSlow to moderate.
BloomingLate winter to spring; arching racemes of pink to orange, stomach-shaped tubular flowers.
DormancySemi-dormant in peak summer heat and in cool winter; growth strongest in spring and autumn.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of offsets, Leaf cuttings, Seed
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent flower stalks and dried lower leaves; keep crown free of debris.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years or when crowded; use a shallow pot with excellent drainage and fresh gritty mix.
Pests & DiseasesMealybugs (including root mealybugs), scale, and aphids on flower stalks; root rot if overwatered; occasional leaf spot from poor airflow.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to pets and people; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
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