Gasteria
Gasteria bicolor
Gasteria is a slow-growing South African succulent with thick, tongue-shaped leaves often arranged in fans, named for its curved, stomach-shaped flowers.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Sparingly; dry out between
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Gasteria is a genus of small, hardy succulents closely related to Aloe and Haworthia, grown for their distinctive thick, strap-like leaves. The common name ox tongue refers to their rough, tongue-shaped foliage.
Native to South Africa, gasterias are tolerant of lower light than most succulents, making them excellent, low-maintenance windowsill plants. The genus name comes from the Latin gaster (stomach), describing the curved, swollen base of its tubular flowers.
How to identify it
Identify Gasteria by:
- Leaves: thick, flat, tongue-shaped, often with a rough or warty (tuberculate) surface
- Arrangement: young plants typically grow leaves in two opposite ranks (distichous fans); older ones may form rosettes
- Color: dark green often mottled with paler bands or white spots
- Flowers: arching sprays of curved, pinkish-orange tubular blooms swollen at the base
- Size: usually compact, under 1 ft, clumping into offsets
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light; tolerates more shade than most succulents, but avoid harsh direct sun that scorches leaves.
Water: Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry completely; very drought-tolerant and prone to rot if overwatered.
Soil: Gritty, fast-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Temperature: 65-80F; protect from frost.
Feeding: Light feeding once or twice in the growing season.
Propagation: Easy from offsets (pups) or leaf cuttings allowed to callus before potting.
Habitat & origin
Gasteria species are native to South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape, where they grow in semi-shaded, rocky spots, often sheltered beneath shrubs in summer-rainfall regions.
They are grown worldwide as easy, compact houseplants and collected by succulent enthusiasts for their varied leaf forms.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called ox tongue?
The thick, flat, rough-textured leaves resemble an animal's tongue, giving rise to common names like ox tongue and cow tongue.
Does Gasteria need full sun?
No. It tolerates lower light better than most succulents and prefers bright indirect light; strong direct sun can scorch the leaves.
How often should I water it?
Only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every two to three weeks; it is very drought-tolerant and rots easily if overwatered.
How do I propagate Gasteria?
It is easily grown from offsets (pups) at the base or from leaf cuttings allowed to callus before being set on gritty soil.
Gasteria guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Gasteria.
