Gasteria bicolor
| Light | Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh direct summer sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderately in the growing season; let the mix dry out between waterings; keep nearly dry in winter |
| Soil | Free-draining gritty mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; roughly USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Leaf cuttings, offsets and seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Gasteria bicolor is a variable, rosette-forming succulent from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, grown for its strap-shaped, dark green leaves marbled with pale spots and bands. In summer it throws up tall, arching sprays of pendent, curved flowers whose swollen bases give the genus its name — from the Greek gaster, a stomach — pink and green and beloved of sunbirds. Its ease of care and forgiving nature make it a fine beginner's succulent.
Description
Gasteria bicolor begins life with its leaves arranged in two opposite ranks, and older plants usually settle into a loose spiral rosette. The leaves are firm, tongue- or strap-shaped and tapering, dark green and generously flecked with raised white spots that often run together into paler cross-bands — the "bicolor" of the name. Leaf shape, length and spotting vary widely from plant to plant, which has historically made the species hard to pin down and has swallowed up several once-separate names.
In summer the plant sends up a slender, arching flower stalk, sometimes branched, carrying many small pendent flowers. Each bloom is tubular and gently curved, swollen at the base into the characteristic stomach-like "gasteriform" shape, and coloured a soft pink shading to green at the mouth. Clumps build up slowly as the plant offsets from the base.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it grows in thicket and scrub, often in the light shade of shrubs or among rocks. In habitat it favours sheltered positions rather than fully exposed ground, which is reflected in its preference for bright but filtered light in cultivation. It is a variable species across its range, and a localised dwarf variety, Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana, is among the smallest of all gasterias.
Cultivation
Gasteria bicolor is one of the more tolerant succulents and copes with less light than many, making it a good windowsill plant. Grow it in a free-draining, gritty mix and give it bright, indirect light; unlike many succulents it can scorch in intense direct summer sun, so a little shade keeps the leaves their best dark green. Water moderately while it is in active growth, always letting the mix dry between waterings, and keep it nearly dry through the cool months. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Overwatering, especially in cold conditions, is the main hazard and can cause the base to rot. The species clumps steadily and is easy to divide or repot once it fills its container.
Propagation
Gasteria bicolor propagates very readily, which adds to its appeal for beginners. The simplest method is to remove offsets from an established clump and pot them separately once they have a few roots (see Propagation — offsets). Whole leaves also root easily: a healthy leaf laid or shallowly set on a gritty mix will often form roots and a small plantlet at its base (see Propagation — cuttings). Seed is possible too, though slower, and because the species is so variable and hybridises freely, seed-raised plants may not come true. See Propagation — seed for details.
Common problems
- Rot — from overwatering or a cold, damp mix; the base or lower leaves soften and discolour.
- Scorch — harsh direct sun bleaches and marks the leaves; move to brighter shade or filtered light.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked between the leaf ranks) and scale are the usual offenders; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Gasteria — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — offsets · Propagation — cuttings · Repotting