I am a slow-growing, stemless succulent that forms dense clumps of upright, fleshy leaves.

My most distinctive feature is my long, triangular, slightly curved leaves that resemble an ox's tongue. They are covered in small, white, raised tubercles (bumps), giving me a distinctive rough, "warty" texture.

My leaf color ranges from deep green to bluish-green, often with darker green mottling or bands.

I produce tall, slender flower spikes with clusters of small, tubular, pinkish-red or orange flowers, typically in late winter or spring.

I am native to the rocky slopes and arid regions of South Africa.

I am a drought-tolerant succulent. Use the "soak and dry" method thoroughly.

Water me deeply only when the soil is completely dry, then allow it to dry out fully again. In winter, water very sparingly (once a month or less).

I am highly susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable.

I prefer low humidity and do not require misting.

I thrive in bright, indirect to direct light. I need several hours of direct sun daily (morning sun is ideal) to maintain a compact shape and encourage flowering.

I can tolerate some partial shade, but too little light will cause my rosette to stretch (etiolate) and my leaves to become floppy and pale.

A south or east-facing window is perfect indoors.

I prefer warm temperatures and am best suited to USDA zones 9-11 if grown outdoors.

My ideal range is 18°C to 27°C.

I am not frost-hardy. Protect me from temperatures below 5°C. I can be grown outdoors in summer and brought inside before frost.

I am perfect for succulent dish gardens, rockeries, terraces, and as a unique windowsill plant.

Plant me in a very gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. Amend regular potting soil with plenty of perlite, pumice, or coarse sand.

A shallow, wide pot with drainage holes is ideal, as I have a shallow root system and like to form offsets.

I propagate easily from leaf cuttings or by separating the "pups" (offsets) that form around the base.

I am a very light feeder. Fertilize only during the active growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength, or a specialized succulent fertilizer, once at the start of the season. Over-fertilizing can cause weak growth.

Scientific Name: Gasteria spp. (Commonly G. bicolor, G. brevifolia, G. glomerata)

Common Names: Ox Tongue, Lawyer's Tongue, Cow Tongue

Plant Family: Asphodelaceae

Plant Type: Perennial succulent

I am non-toxic to cats and dogs, making me a worry-free, pet-friendly succulent.

Like most succulents, my contribution to air purification is modest due to my small size and slow growth. I am primarily grown for ornamental interest.