How are Gasteria cared for?

Gasteria is a succulent plant and not a cactus, which can be grown both in pots and in gardens. They are not complicated at allIn fact, with minimal care you will be able to enjoy them to the fullest.

Even so, if you don't want anything to miss, you can't stop following our advice, but first of all, let's see a little what the Gasterias are like.

Origin and general data of the plant

These plants are native to South Africa. They are succulent evergreen herbaceous, with leaves that can grow either forming a spiral or to the right and to the left, supporting one another.

There is a good variety of these plants, but as such, the most that is in the current market are:

• Verrucosa gasteria: This species has distinctive thick, oblong leaves covered in white warts.
• gasteria maculata: This plant is similar to Verrucosa gasteria, but lacks the warty bumps.
• gasteria glomerata: This species is a compact plant that stands only a few centimeters tall.

Keep in mind that some of the Gasterias are native or original (they have not been crossed), while others are hybrids and share characteristics of both species of the same genus.

An important fact to note is that Gasterias are not a plant species per se, but rather a genus of succulent plants that includes a great variety. It is for this reason that in many nurseries these types of plants are usually seen, but with somewhat different variations and characteristics.

The curious thing and what many ignore is that Gasterias are a genus of plants that have a high level of rarities. But despite this and its appearance, it is important not to be confused with aloe vera or aloe vera because they are not the same.

These succulents are commonly referred to as Gasterias, but they are also known as ox tongue because of the design and texture of their leaves. A very important fact that you have to know is that according to the species or variation, the leaves will have a different color and appearance, as well as their disposition and the ability to produce flowers.

Characteristics of the Gasterias

These leaves are leathery, from light green to dark green passing through greyish, and They are usually about 5 to 8cm long. Their height is rather reduced, since they do not exceed 20 centimeters.

Once they reach adulthood, they flourish. Its flowers are grouped in inflorescences in the shape of clusters formed by yellow or reddish lanceolate bracts, although some of them have the ability to acquire a tubular or curved shape during winter.

The growth rate is slow and since it is a native South African plant, it has adapted to these conditions, but it does not support direct sun very well for too long, so their growth is favored when placed in light shades.

In the same way, it does not matter if your intention is to have the plant indoors, since can withstand low light conditions quite well, even more than other succulents you may know.

The best way to plant them is in springalthough they can generally be started as houseplants at any time. Assuming you want to plant your Gasteria in the garden, choose a spot that has spot sunlight, such as under a large tree.

In addition, potted indoor plants can be brought outside and placed in a lightly shaded area for the summer. Keep in mind that Gasterias do not react well to water that falls directly on the leaves, so you have to provide some shelter against the rains and sprinkler systems if possible.

Otherwise, the leaves could start to rot. Likewise, an excellent drainage of both the soil and the container of the plantation is key to the growth of a healthy plant.

What are the cares?

If you want to get a copy, we recommend providing the following care:

Location

You will understand that the care of a plant will not be the same if you have it outdoors than indoors. For this reason, and when you have an outdoor Gasteria, you should have it in a place where it has shade in the afternoon and during the day, the sun shines on them but not for too long.

These plants appreciate bright light, but not harsh sun. Protect them from the hot light of the afternoon sun. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow or white, it is because it is getting too much sun.

Ground earth

For container plantings, use a potting mix of cactus soil (on sale here) or other fast-draining potting soil and mixed with a few handfuls of sand. For garden plantings, somewhat sandy soils are best to provide sufficient drainage.

As for the soil that you should use in the garden, it has to be a soil or mixture that is capable of draining the water very quickly. This with the aim of giving the plant the necessary water but preventing its roots from rotting.

Irrigation

Like other succulents, these plants they don't need a lot of water. Wait for the soil to dry completely and use a spray bottle or dropper to provide the necessary water. Although the amount will depend on the temperature of the environment, as well as the size of the plant itself.

If you have the plant outside and it receives rainwater, supplementary watering will not normally be necessary. But make sure to protect its leaves very well and that it does not have a waterlogged soil or substrate.

Temperature and humidity

Plants like warm summers and slightly cold winters (up to 10 ° C), but be careful, frost can be deadly for plants. During hot weather, the leaves can take on a lighter and brighter color, which is perfectly natural.

Also, like most succulents, plants do not enjoy very humid environments. Therefore, if you live in a humid climate, be sure to water the plant only when the soil is dry to avoid rot, as the moisture will provide much of the necessary moisture for the plant.

Fertilizer

Just enough that fertilize your Gasterias once every spring. To do this, we recommend that you use fertilizer for cacti.

Propagation

The Gasteria easily propagated using cuttings, suckers, or seeds. Use a sharp knife or scissors. Cut as close to the stem of the mother plant as you can, including as many roots as possible.

Let the trim dry for at least a few hours before replanting. Plant the netting in a small pot, using the same type of soil as the mother plant.

Then put the pot in a warm and bright place and keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy), until you see growth.

Plantation

By encapsulating it, choose a container that has wide drainage holes. Unglazed terra cotta pots are preferred by many gardeners, which allow moisture from the soil to evaporate through their walls.

This helps prevent the rot from overwatering. What's more, opt for a shallow and wide container rather than a deep and narrow one, as these plants have shallow roots.

Also, as plants grow slowly and remain small, you probably don't have to plant them often. But over time, mature plants will send out baby netting plants, which can clutter the container over time.

You can either repot the entire group of plants in a larger container, or remove the offsets from the mother plant and place them in separate containers.

Common pests and diseases

On the one hand, there is the disadvantage that the Gasterias are very susceptible to fungi. If you do not know how to identify this problem, know that the presence of fungi is seen on its leaves, since they tend to acquire a black color.

The appearance of fungi is it is due in principle to excess moisture or water found in the leaves. Fortunately, these fungal infections do not usually spread quickly, although steps need to be taken as soon as possible to correct the moisture level of the plant to control the infection.