Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Succulents
Indigenous | Easy Care | Succulents
Gasterias are small, compact South African succulents with thick, tongue-shaped leaves, often beautifully marked with white spots, ridges or tubercles. Gasteria vlokii is a particularly neat and compact species.
They are closely related to aloes and share their toughness, but they have one major advantage: they handle shade better than almost any other succulent. This makes them ideal for shaded rockeries, under trees, on south-facing window sills, and in spots that get only a few hours of light. They produce small, tubular, stomach-shaped flowers on arching stems (the name "gasteria" means "stomach" in reference to the flower shape) that sunbirds visit.
10 to 25 cm. Small and compact.
Slow.
Rockery, container, shaded succulent garden, windowsill, under trees. One of the few succulents that thrives in shade.
Semi-shade to shade. They cope with more shade than any other plant in this section. They burn in hot, direct afternoon sun.
Very well-drained, gritty soil. A cactus and succulent mix works well.
Low. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out between drinks. They store water in their leaves and cope with dry spells easily. Reduce watering in winter.
A light feed once or twice a year with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength.
None needed. Remove dead leaves or spent flower stems as needed.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
