What is Gasteria?

Gasteria is a genus of South African succulents. These plants have been used historically in traditional medicines and since the 1600s, they have been cultivated as houseplants. Nurseries often stock Gasteria species for cultivation as houseplants and in succulent gardens, and they can also be obtained through mail order and trade with other gardeners. These plants hybridize very readily and as a result, there are numerous cultivars available.

Plants in the genus Gasteria bear distinctively shaped flowers arrayed on long stalks. The flowers resemble stomachs, explaining the genus name, which is derived from the Latin for “stomach.” The leaves grow in basal rosettes or spirals and tend to be shaped like tongues. Many species have flattened leaves with rounded edges and like other succulents, the leaves are tough to help the plant retain moisture. Gardeners may want to be aware that juvenile and adult plants often have markedly different physical appearances.

Gasteria species prefer well-drained soil worked with some organic material. They are generally drought tolerant and make good companion plants for other succulents. Their unusual flowers will stand out against the green foliage, as the stalks tend to be tall to allow the flowers to hang freely. These aloe relatives are very easy to grow in gardens and containers, and a number of cultivars of different shapes, sizes, and colors are available for gardeners interested in growing succulents.

In low water landscaping, succulents can be an excellent choice for people who live in warm to temperate climates where succulents can thrive. A wide array of succulents can be established with a gravel mulch to keep weeds down and create a uniform visual appearance. Succulents should be offered fertilizer in the spring to promote growth, and many succulents, including Gasteria, will grow year round, putting out new leaves and flowering periodically when the conditions are right.

For indoor gardening, Gasteria species can be grown alone or with other succulents in a container. They should be repotted every two to three years to make room for the roots, and it is important to use loose, well-drained soil. If too much moisture is retained, the plants can become unhealthy. These succulents are vulnerable to a type of mold known as black spot, and fungal infections tend to be more common when the environment is wet with retained moisture. There are antifungal treatments available to kill the mold, although it may be necessary to trim away dead leaves.