Overview
Gasteria pseudo-nigra is a plant with a clump-forming, rosette-forming habit in the genus Gasteria, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with green, mottled foliage. Gasteria pseudo-nigra grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplant, conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Gasteria pseudo-nigra is a clump-forming, rosette-forming succulent in the Asphodelaceae with mottled leaves. It favours full shade to partial shade and a well-drained loam-and-sand growing medium. Tender in the UK (H1a), it is most often grown as a houseplant or under glass in a conservatory or greenhouse. It flowers March to May.
About the genus
Gasteria is a genus of succulent plants, native to South Africa and the far south-west corner of Namibia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gasteria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gasteria
In the garden
Gasteria pseudo-nigra is a compact, rosette-forming succulent valued for its mottled foliage and clumping habit. As a member of the Asphodelaceae and the genus Gasteria, it suits constrained spaces where a succulent form is required rather than open-ground planting in temperate gardens. Place plants in full or partial shade and keep them sheltered from exposed conditions. Use a free-draining medium combining loam and sand and aim for an acid to neutral pH; the plant requires well-drained soil and will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. All aspects — east, west, south and north-facing — can work provided the position remains shaded and sheltered. Because it is H1a (tender), Gasteria pseudo-nigra is best kept as a container specimen for indoor display, in a conservatory or in a heated greenhouse where frost can be avoided. It also adapts to bright, sheltered windowsills. Expect flowering from March to May, when blooms rise above the rosette.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gasteria
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Gasteria pseudo-nigra size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Rosette-forming
- Foliage
- Green, Mottled
- Suggested uses
- Houseplant, Conservatory, Greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gasteria pseudo-nigra
- Propagation
- Offsets, Leaf cuttings, Seeds
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gasteria pseudo-nigra?
Gasteria pseudo-nigra prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gasteria pseudo-nigra need?
Gasteria pseudo-nigra grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gasteria pseudo-nigra hardy in the UK?
Gasteria pseudo-nigra 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 pseudo-nigra?
Offsets, Leaf cuttings, Seeds.
