How to Grow Gasteria

Gasteria is a family of succulents native to South Africa, and related to aloe and Haworthia. It's commonly called ox tongue, as the leaves are shaped like a cow's tongue. Its Latin name means "stomach" and refers to the shape of the pink or greenish-yellow flowers. Most gasterias grow in a rosette shape, without a central stem. Leaves are typically covered with white bumps or dots. It is common to find gasteria sold with no species name -- as it's very easily hybridized -- though there are about 50 species in the genus. Hardy in US Department of Agriculture gardening zones 9 through 11, many gasterias can survive down to zone 8 if given adequate winter protection. They are easily grown in containers, and are often grown indoors in cold climates.

Organic mulch
Potting soil
Sand
Gravel
Water
Fertilizer
Garden clippers
Pots
Antifungal spray

Instructions

- 1
  Grow gasteria in bright shade, protected from direct, hot sun and severe frost. Gasteria are more shade-tolerant than most other succulents. If grown indoors, place in a window receiving bright light, but not intense heat.
- 2
  Plant in very well-drained, sandy soil. A good potting mixture is one part organic mulch, one part potting soil, and two parts coarse sand. Top off with gravel mulch.
- 3
  Water throughout the year, but allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Gasteria will rot if kept too wet.
- 4
  Fertilize with a plant food specifically formulated for cactus and succulent growth. Follow package directions, and feed during the growing season of spring and summer.
- 5
  Propagate by taking a leaf cutting that includes some of the leaf base, and potting it in damp soil. Keep moist until roots appear, then cut back to water only when soil is dry. Some gasterias produce small offshoots next to the parent plant; these can be gently separated and potted to produce new plants.
- 6
  Repot your gasteria every three to four years. Gently remove from the pot, whisking away old potting soil. Carefully divide the plant, teasing roots and plant buds apart, then replant in fresh soil mixture, discarding extra plants, or placing them in pots of their own.
- 7
  Watch for black spot, a fungal disease that can affect plants kept in overly moist conditions. Black spot will appear as dark blotches or circles on the leaves of the plant, and will spread if not treated. Fungal spray used for treating black spot on roses will treat the disease on your gasteria.
- 8
  Clip off spent flower stalks after the annual flowering in the spring.

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