Care of the succulent plant Gasteria bicolor or Lawyer's Tongue |
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The genus Gasteria, family Xanthorrhoeaceae, comprises 80 species of succulent plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Gasteria bicolor, Gasteria disticha, Gasteria excelsa, Gasteria carinata, Gasteria liliputana, Gasteria angustifolia. Common name: Lawyer's Tongue. This species is native to Eastern Cape, South Africa. They are small, slow-growing succulent plants that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height. The leaves are dark green (with light spots) that are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The flowers appear on flower stalks above the plant but are not very decorative. They bloom in spring. They are used in pots as an indoor, patio and terrace or greenhouse plant. In frost-free regions they are interesting for rockeries. The Gasteria bicolor prefers a semi-shade exposure avoiding the sun's rays in the hottest hours of the day; they can grow in a shady display. The winter temperature should not be less than 5 ºC (41 ºF); resting at 10 ºC (50 ºF) is recommended. The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents with 20% coarse sand. They transplant in spring if the roots show below the pot. In spring and especially in summer they require regular watering, waiting for the soil to dry out. In winter the waterings are suspended but if they are grown indoors they can be watered once a month at most. Fertilize in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. They do not need pruning. They are plants sensitive to pests but sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate by separation of suckers; root in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the succulent plant Gasteria bicolor or Lawyer's Tongue |
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