Overview
Gasteria is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Gasteria, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gasteria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplants, conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Gasteria is a genus of perennial succulents in the Asphodelaceae family, known commonly as ox tongue or cow-tongue cactus. These clump-forming plants have evergreen, thick, fleshy leaves arranged in two ranks, forming rosettes without stems. They produce hanging, tubular flowers on racemes during spring and summer. Gasteria cultivars thrive in full sun or partial shade, preferring sheltered, east-, south-, or west-facing aspects with well-drained loam or sandy soil that is acid or neutral in pH. They are suitable for growing as houseplants or in conservatories and greenhouses, propagated by seed or leaf cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gasteria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Gasteria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory, Greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gasteria
- Propagation
- Seed, Leaf cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gasteria?
Gasteria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gasteria need?
Gasteria grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gasteria hardy in the UK?
Gasteria has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Gasteria?
Seed, Leaf cuttings.
More in the Gasteria genus
- Gasteria bicolor
- Gasteria glauca
- Gasteria planifolia
- Gasteria schweickerdtiana
- Gasteria x cheilophyllahybrid ox tongue