Keeled Ox Tongue
Family
Aloaceae
Origin
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Description
Bredasdorp Gasteria, is a small to medium-sized decumbent to erect Aloe-like succulent. It is highly variable species, up to 7 inches (18 cm) tall and up to 2.6 feet (80 cm) wide. Typically it has sharp, triangular leaves, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide, mottled in colour and channeled on their upper surface.
The leaves have sharp points at their tips, and usually have keels in mature plants. The flowers are light pink to white with central green stripes, up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long.
Environment
Gasterias are popular undemanding indoor succulent plants, tolerating a little shade and infrequent watering. However, some sun ensures a compact growth habit, attractive leaf coloration in some species and abundant flowers
These decorative little plants can be grown in interesting containers such as tea cups and even miniature baby shoes. Make sure the container had adequate drainage. If it doesn t, it might be a good idea to pop the plant out of its container and add a layer of gravel to the bottom to reduce the wicking action of the soil above.
Propogation
Gasteria is easily propagated by the removal of offshoots or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, remove a leaf and let it lie for about one month, giving the wound time to heal. Then lay the leaf on its side with the basal part buried in the soil. This leaf should root within a month or two, and small plants will form at the leaf base. They can also grown from seed.
Landscape Use
Suitable for Container, Rock Garden & Xeriscaping
