About
This slow-growing, dwarf succulent with thick, dark green, rough-textured, tounge-like leaves. In full sun the leaves take on a bronze flush. Small orange-red flowers are produced on a slender spike to 50cm tall in summer.
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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in cactus compost in filtered light. During the summer water moderately and apply a low nitrogen fertiliser once or twice. Keep dry during winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in spring or summer, by division of offsets or by leaf cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free