Plant Bio
Gasteria is a genus of succulent plants, native to South Africa (and the far south-west corner of Namibia). Gasterias are recognizable from their thick, hard, succulent “tongue-shaped” leaves. Their inflorescence is also unique, with their curved, stomach-shaped flowers, which hang from inclined racemes. The genus is native to South Africa, where it grows in lightly shaded conditions with excellent drainage. As a result, the plant tolerates lower light conditions than most other well-known succulents, making them very good houseplants.
Potted gasteria should be planted in bright light but not direct sunlight. Indoors gardeners find they do well in cool rooms with limited sunlight. Use a cactus mix or very fast-draining potting soil mixed with sand. Mixing a bit of compost into commercial cactus mix soil can be a good idea. Gasteria, like most succulents, requires little water or fertilizer. Feed them once a year. Water evenly and generously in the summer, but make sure the soil media dries out between waterings. In the winter, reduce watering to every other month, but do not stop watering. Never allow water to collect in between the leaves.P