Gasteria pillansii
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (5) · fruit (0) · bark (5) · habit (2) · other (1)

Gasteria pillansii

Cattle Tongue · Namaqua gasteria · Ox tongue

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun Toxicity: low
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
203
Observations
568

Description

Source: leafsnap

Gasteria pillansii is a succulent plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. Indigenous to South Africa, it is typically found in rocky areas and on cliffs. The plant features thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern, with each leaf measuring approximately 10-15 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. The leaves are dark green with distinctive white spots or stripes. During the summer months, Gasteria pillansii produces tall spikes of tubular flowers that are generally pink or red. This plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering, and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. The name "Gasteria" is derived from the Greek word "gaster," meaning stomach, which refers to the shape of its flowers resembling a stomach or belly. This plant also holds significance in indigenous communities for its medicinal uses, such as treating wounds, burns, and fever, in addition to being valued for its ornamental appeal. In summary, Gasteria pillansii is an intriguing succulent with unique features, making it an excellent addition for garden enthusiasts seeking low-maintenance plants with ornamental value.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Gasteria
Family
Asphodelaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
10 cm to 30 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
South Africa, Namibia

Tags (9)

Common Names (3)

en Cattle Tongue
en Namaqua gasteria
en Ox tongue