Gasteria

Gasteria (Ox Tongue Succulent)

Unusual and easy to love, the Gasteria is a charming succulent known for its thick, tongue-shaped leaves marked with mottled patterns of green and white. Native to South Africa, it’s prized for both its resilience and its quirky appearance. Slow-growing and compact, Gasteria makes the perfect desk buddy, shelf accent, or gift for plant beginners.

Why You’ll Love It

• Distinctive leaf shapes with striking variegation.

• Tolerates low light better than many other succulents.

• Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance.

• Produces elegant tubular flowers on tall stems when happy.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to partial shade — great for offices or lower-light homes.

• Water: Water deeply but infrequently; let soil dry out completely between waterings.

• Soil: Needs a well-draining succulent or cactus mix.

• Temperature: Thrives in 15–29°C (60–85°F). Protect from frost.

• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets — safe for cats and dogs.

Pro Tip: Gasteria thrives when slightly root-bound, so repot only every few years and enjoy watching it form adorable clumps of offsets you can propagate.