Overview
Gasteria bicolor is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Gasteria, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gasteria bicolor 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 bicolor is a clump-forming perennial succulent belonging to the genus Gasteria in the Asphodelaceae family. It features evergreen, thick, fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes, typically in two ranks, and produces hanging, tubular flowers on racemes during spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring well-drained loam or sandy soils with acidic to neutral pH. Best suited for sheltered positions, it is commonly grown as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses in the UK, where it requires protection due to its H1a hardiness rating.
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 bicolor 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 bicolor
- 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 bicolor?
Gasteria bicolor prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gasteria bicolor need?
Gasteria bicolor grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gasteria bicolor hardy in the UK?
Gasteria bicolor 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 bicolor?
Seed, Leaf cuttings.
More in the Gasteria genus
- Gasteriaox tongue
- Gasteria glauca
- Gasteria planifolia
- Gasteria schweickerdtiana
- Gasteria x cheilophyllahybrid ox tongue