The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Native to South Africa,gasteria(Gasteriaspp.)
is a genus of relatively rare, aloe-like succulents.
Planting is best done in the spring, though you generally can start them as houseplants at any point.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Gasteria plants are marked with interesting patterns and colors.
Moreover, mature gasteria plants typically produce tubular, curved flowers in the winter to spring.
Light
These plants appreciate bright light but not harsh and direct sun.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Protect them from hot afternoon sunlight.
White or yellow leaves can signify that the plant is getting too much sun.
Water
Like other succulents, these plants don’t need muchwater.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Allow the soil to almost completely dry out between waterings.
If the plant gets rainfall outdoors, usually no supplemental watering will be necessary.
This places them inZones 9 to 11in the United States where there’s no chance of deadly frost.
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During warm weather, gasteria leaves might turn a lighter, brighter color, which is perfectly natural.
Like most succulents, gasteria plants don’t enjoy very humid environments.
Fertilizer
Fertilizeonce every spring with a cactus fertilizer.
Refer to the label instructions for the recommended amount.
it’s possible for you to do this every year or two in the spring.
Many gardeners prefer unglazed terra-cotta pots, which allow soil moisture to evaporate through their walls.
This helps to prevent rot issues from overwatering.
But over time, mature plants will send up baby offset plants, which can eventually overcrowd the container.
This is perfectly normal.
It will still need light but not as much during this time.
Place it where it can receive a few hours of indirect light each day.
Black spots can also appear if the plant is roughly handled.
Gasteria can “bruise” easily.
Be gentle with the plant at all times.
Few plants like to be root-bound.
