About
A small perennial succulent up to 10cm tall and wide. The thick, fleshy leaves grow in two vertical rows on opposite sides of the stem forming a fan shape. Each leaf is up to 5cm long, belt-shaped and densely covered with white tubercles. Flower stems, up to 35cm tall, arise in spring and bear between 15 and 25 small, bell-shaped red-pink and green flowers.
About the genus
Gasteria are stemless, succulent perennials forming clumps of rosettes of fleshy leaves, often 2-ranked, and racemes of pendulous, tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa (Cape Prov.)
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water freely when in growth and keep just moist at other times. Apply a dilute, low nitrogen fertiliser fortnightly during late spring and summer. Stand outside in summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by leaf cuttings or from offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free