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Gasteria gracilis

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Gasteria bicolor
  • Gasteria gracilis
  • Gasteria maculata
Phonetic Spelling
gas-TEER-ee-uh oh-BLEEK-wuh
Description

This gasteria is a small slow-growing succulent from South Africa with fleshy stemless leaves that form a rosette. The leaves are deep green to gray and speckled with white dots. The flowers appear on long stems with dangling bi-colored tubular flowers in winter and spring. Grown in a pot, it generally stays 6 inches tall, but grows larger in its native habitat.

Grow in pots with several drainage holes in a medium suitable for cacti and succulents. They can be taken outdoors during the summer but give them protection from the hot afternoon sun. Unlike many succulents, they can tolerate some shade. Inside give them bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings. They can be fertilized during the growing season with a fertilizer for cacti.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#slow growing#interiorscape#bicolor#variegated#container plant#part sun
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#slow growing#interiorscape#bicolor#variegated#container plant#part sun
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gasteria
    Species:
    gracilis
    Family:
    Asphodelaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Orange
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Long stems with dangling tubular bi-colored flowers generally in late winter to early spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Thick stemless succulent leaves in a rosette that often have speckles.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil