Gasteria Plant Profile

Gasteria is a relatively rare, ​aloe-like succulent that colloquially goes by the unfortunate name of "ox tongue." Perhaps even more unfortunately, the plant is named for the sac-like shape of its flowers, which are supposed to resemble a stomach.

The genus is native to South Africa, where they grow in lightly shaded conditions with excellent drainage. As a result, the plant has adapted to relatively lower light conditions than some other well-known succulents and are good houseplants. Depending on the species, Gasteria leaves are often marked with interesting patterns and coloration. The G. verrucosa species also has wart-like protrusions on its leaves.

Gasteria have been in cultivation for hundreds of years and can be easily crossed with aloe, which gives rise to a number of hybrids, such as gasteraloe, in addition to the species that are generally available.

The most common Gasteria species are usually the G. verrucosa species, which has distinctive, thick and oblong leaves covered with white warts (these are the ones known as ox tongue or lawyer's tongue). The G. maculata species is similar, but lacks the tell-tale warty protrusions. Other species include the G. glomerata, which is a small plant that stays under 2 inches tall, and the G. marmorata.

For best success in growing gasteria, give it the light, water, temperature, soil, and fertilizer that it needs.

Bright light, but not direct sunlight. These grow in similar conditions to Haworthia succulents. White or yellow leaves usually signify too much sun.

Water evenly and generously in the summer, letting the soil media dry out between waterings. In the winter, reduce watering to every other month, but do not stop watering. Never allow water to collect in between the leaves.

Warmer summers but cool in the winter (down to 50 F). During warmer weather, your gasteria leaves might turn a lighter, brighter color or the plant might flower with small, colorful sac-shaped flowers.

Use a cactus mix or very fast-draining potting soil mixed with sand.

Fertilize during the summer growing season with a cactus fertilizer. Don't feed during the winter.

Gasteria can be propagated at repotting time using offsets from the mother plant or from leaf cuttings, depending on the species. When taking offsets, use a sharp knife or snippers and cut as close to the mother stem as possible, including as many roots as possible, then allow the offset to dry briefly before repotting it (similar to cuttings from other succulents). Pot the offsets in a small pot, using the same soil as the mother plant, and put it a warm, bright spot and make sure to adequately water.

Gasteria are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its dish, repot in the spring or early summer into a new wide and shallow dish with fresh potting soil. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.

Gasteria are often grouped with Haworthia because the plants have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive, small succulents that can tolerate somewhat more shade than many succulents, which makes them more suitable as houseplants.

Gasteria are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. These are the result of too much humidity or water on the leaves, but they should not spread too quickly. Gasteria have a natural defense mechanism against such fungal infections: they attack the invading organism and seal off the wounded spot. In general, any place where Haworthia and aloe thrive will be hospitable to a Gasteria.