Gasteria, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Ox-tongue
Overview
Gasteria is a genus of about 20–25 species of evergreen succulent perennials in the asphodel family (Asphodelaceae), 4–24 inches (10–60 cm) tall and wide, forming clumps through offsets. Leaves are thick, tongue-shaped, 3–16 inches (7.5–40 cm) long and 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) wide, dark green with raised white or pale-green spots or bands, arranged in two ranks in young plants and in rosettes in older plants, with rough or smooth surfaces. Flower stalks are 12–40 inches (30–100 cm) tall and bear pendant, tubular flowers 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long that swell at the base, pink to red with green-tipped lobes. Fruits are capsules 0.5–0.75 inch (13–19 mm) long. Species cross readily with Aloe and Haworthia in cultivation to produce hybrids. Plants tolerate shade better than most succulents, and most species are damaged by temperatures below 28°F (−2°C). Leaves scorch in direct sun above 90°F (32°C), and wet soil causes root and crown rot.
Native Range
Gasteria is native to South Africa, with species in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Namaqualand, extending into southern Namibia. Plants grow in shaded rock crevices, under shrubs, and on rocky slopes in thicket and grassland.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers, rock gardens, and shaded succulent beds in zones 10–11, spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart, and as indoor plants near bright windows elsewhere. Plants are used in dry shade under trees where many succulents decline.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to red with green-tipped lobesFoliage Description
Dark green with white or pale-green spotsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun in a gritty, fast-draining mix of sand and loam with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 10–11 and kept above 28°F (−2°C). Water is applied at 0.5–1 inch (13–25 mm) every 10–14 days in spring and summer, and every 4–6 weeks in winter. Mealybugs and scale affect plants, and leaves scorch in direct summer sun above 90°F (32°C).Pruning
Pruning is limited to cutting spent flower stalks at the base after flowering and removing dried lower leaves. Offsets are separated from the clump with a sterilized knife when they reach 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in length.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
