What is Gasteria? We’re glad you asked.
Gasteria is a genus of succulent plants native to South Africa. The name comes from the Greek word for stomach, gaster, referring to the shape of the flower.
There are about 60 species in the genus.
Gasterias are low-growing, perennial plants with thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are often marked with spots or stripes and have a waxy coating that helps to prevent water loss.
The flowers grow on spikes, usually white, pink, or purple.
Gasteria is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold weather.
In the wild, Gasteria grows in rocky areas where they can receive full sun or partial shade.
The common names for Gasterias include:
- Cattle tongue
- Cow’s tongue
- Ox tongue
- Dog tongue
- Lizard’s tail
Quick Facts On Gasteria
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Temperature: 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering
- Fertilizer: Succulent or cactus fertilizer every other month
- Propagation: Offsets, leaf cuttings, or seed
- Common problems: Mealybugs, aphids, scales, root rot
Gasteria Care
Gasteria is a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for and an excellent choice for beginners.
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for gasteria.
What Does The Ox Tongue Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The leaves of the gasteria plant are thick and fleshy, and they grow in a rosette shape.
The leaves are often variegated with stripes or spots and can be green, gray, or even black.
When Does The Ox Tongue Plant Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The gasteria plant blooms in the summer with small and tubular flowers and grows in clusters. They can be white, pink, or even red.
The flowers of ox tongue plants are not fragrant but quite beautiful.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The gasteria plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. The leaves will turn red if the plant is placed in direct sunlight.
The ideal temperature for the ox tongue plant is 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Ox Tongue Plant?
Gasteria needs very little water, and it’s best to err on too little rather than too much.
Water the plant once every two weeks, and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
If the leaves start to wrinkle, that’s a sign that the plant is thirsty.
The ox tongue plant doesn’t need fertilizer, but you can give it a light feeding once a month during the growing season.
Use a succulent fertilizer or a cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength.
What Is The Best Soil For Succulent Gasteria, and When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for gasteria is a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gasteria doesn’t need to be transplanted often, but you can do it every 2 years if you want.
Is Succulent Gasteria Toxic To Pets?
No, the gasteria plant is not toxic to pets.
Does Gasteria Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
No, the gasteria plant doesn’t need special grooming or maintenance. Just remove any dead leaves or flowers as needed.
How To Propagate Cow’s Tongue Plants?
If you’re lucky enough to have an ox tongue plant (Gasteria), you may want to propagate it to create more plants.
These beautiful succulents are native to South Africa and can be propagated by leaf cuttings or offsets.
To propagate by leaf cuttings, simply do the following:
- Snip off a healthy leaf and allow it to callous over for a few days.
- Once the leaf is dry, insert it into a potting mix made for cacti and succulents.
- Water lightly and place the pot in a warm, bright spot.
Within a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Offsets, or “pups,” will eventually form around the base of the plant.
When they’re big enough, you can gently pull them away from the mother plant and pot them up.
To propagate gasteria by seed, you’ll need to start with a fresh, ripe seed.
The easiest way is to purchase seed from a reputable source.
Once you have your seed, dot the following:
- Sow it in a well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
- Water lightly and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and don’t let it dry out completely.
- Within a few weeks, you should see new growth.
If you have any questions about propagating ox tongue plants, feel free to ask in the comments below. And be sure to check out our other articles on caring for succulents.
Gasteria Pests And Diseases
Gasteria is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases, but they can be affected by mealybugs and scale.
These pests are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf distortion and discoloration.
Mealybugs can also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests.
Scale can also cause similar problems.
It is important to keep your plant healthy to prevent or control pests and diseases.
Water and fertilize regularly and make sure the plant has good drainage.
If you see any pests or disease problems, treat them promptly with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide to remedy the situation.
Suggested Uses For Ox Tongue Plants
Gasteria is an excellent plant for containers and makes a great houseplant well-suited for indoor and outdoor succulent gardens and rockeries.
In addition, Gasteria does well with other succulents, cacti, and low-growing plants.
Gasteria is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent. It is perfect for beginners and makes an excellent houseplant due to its easy-to-maintain nature.
With its interesting leaves and pretty flowers, your Gasteria plant is sure to add beauty to any space.