Caring For and Maintaining Your Gasteria

Gasteria is a slow-growing succulent native to Cape area of South Africa. Because of its leaves are long and rough to the touch, Gasteria is sometimes called "ox tongue." Unlike most succulents, Gasteria does pretty well in light shade, but also does well in bright indirect light. It produces pink and red flowers during the spring, which really standout against its thick and waxy green leaves. The leaves are also wide and sometimes speckled and bumpy ("warts"). Gasteria is a low-maintance houseplant that is very easy to car for.

 Sunlight: Gasteria does well in light shade, but it also does well in bright indirect light. Do not place your Gasteria near windows that receive direct sunlight.

Water: Allow the soil around the base of your Gasteria to dry completely between waterings. Water the soil around your Gasteria and not directly on the plant itself--Gasteria's leaves do not like to get wet and may show signs of rot if they come into regular contact with water.

Humidity: Unlike most houseplants, Gasteria doesn't appreciate high humidity, so here in Colorado, there is not a strong need to provide your Gasteria with a humid indoor environment.

Temperature: Gasteria doesn't like the cold, especially temperatures below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). An optimal temperature for growing Gasteria is between 65 to 75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C).

Soil: Use a cactus potting soil mix. Gasteria does best in slightly sandy soils that drain well.