Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:03 pm
Also known as the Thicket Gasteria or Thicket ox-tongue, the Gasteria excelsa has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its interesting appearance and ease of care. This succulent plant makes an attractive addition to any indoor space, but it requires some care to keep its lovely green color.
While gasteria excelsa may be native to South Africa and Namibia, you can grow it in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9b through 11, where the plants will be evergreen and produce smaller leaves than those grown in their native habitat.
The plant prefers tropical climates, full sun to partial shade with plenty of drainages, and does best in soil that has been amended with sand or coarse gravel, so it’s the perfect choice if you want to grow them in your home or as an addition to your succulent garden.
Origin and distribution
Gasteria excelsa is a beautiful plant that originates from South Africa. It’s part of the Asphodelaceae family and is closely related to the Aloe genus. This plant is most commonly found in rocky, dry areas and can grow up to 12 inches tall. You may also find it growing on cliff faces or near mountain peaks where it can receive cool, filtered light.
When it comes to temperatures, this plant prefers cooler climates with an average high between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of soil type, Gasteria excelsa does well in either soil or sandy soil with good drainage and low organic content. Like many succulents, they prefer water but should not be allowed to stay wet for extended periods of time.
The best way to water them is by providing them with copious amounts of water until the soil has dried out and then letting them sit in their pot without any additional watering for a week before giving them another deep watering.
To maximize growth you should give your plants plenty of direct sunlight during daylight hours as well as protection from extreme heat or cold at night or during winter months.
Gasteria excelsa propagation
Gasteria excelsa is a slow-growing, evergreen succulent that is easy to propagate. The best time to propagate is in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, simply take a stem cutting with at least two leaves and allow it to callous for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Water your cutting sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch, and give it bright, indirect light. In about six weeks, you should see new roots forming. Once they are established, pot up your new plant into its own container and move it to a location where it will receive more sunlight as it grows larger.
Keep an eye on your Gasteria excelsa and make sure not to overwater them. Remember, too much water can lead to root rot and eventually death!
Gasteria excelsa care information
Gasteria excelsa is a perfect plant for beginners. It’s easy to grow and doesn’t require much care. Just water it when the soil is dry and give it some light, and it will be happy. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your collection, Gasteria excelsa is a great choice.
Light requirement
The Gasteria excelsa is a perfect plant for indoor gardeners or those who don’t have a lot of natural light in their homes. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can even tolerate some shade. If you notice the leaves start to turn yellow, that’s a sign it’s getting too much sun and you should move it to a shadier spot.
Soil/potting mix
Gasteria excelsa is a type of succulent that does best in sandy, well-draining soil. You can either purchase a cactus and succulent potting mix from your local nursery or make your own by mixing together one part sand and two parts perlite.
Be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting. The size of the pot will depend on how large you want your plant to grow; it should be at least 3 inches deep for gasteria plants.
The pot should also have good drainage, as this plant needs regular watering but doesn’t like sitting in water for too long. Gasteria excelsa plants are perfect for windowsills as they don’t need a lot of light to thrive.
Watering
Water your Gasteria excelsa when the soil has dried out completely. They are drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about watering them too often. Be sure to not overwater, as this can lead to root rot. They prefer well-draining soil, so be sure to amend your soil if it doesn’t drain well.
If there is a lot of drainage from the pot after watering, then you should probably water less frequently. If there is only a little drainage from the pot after watering, then you should water more frequently.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Gasteria excelsa is important to ensure it grows healthy and strong. The best time to fertilize is in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. You can use a standard houseplant fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer for the best results. Be sure to follow the directions on the package, as too much fertilizer can damage the plant.
Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, being careful not to get any on the leaves. When you first notice a spot that has gone brown, cut off the dry leaf at its base.
Sometimes insects will eat away at the roots; if this happens, apply an insecticide containing pyrethrin to kill them off.
Temperature
The perfect temperature for Gasteria excelsa is around 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They enjoy a lot of sunlight, but can also tolerate some shade. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to turn brown and wilt.
If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will start to turn black and die. Their optimum temperature range is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They need at least 12 hours of light each day in order to stay healthy and happy!
Humidity
It is essential to maintain high humidity for your Gasteria excelsa. You can do this by grouping your plants together, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray. Watering your plant regularly will also help to increase the humidity around it. If the air is too dry, your plant’s leaves will start to brown and curl.
The ideal humidity range is between 60-80%. The temperature should be between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with little fluctuation in either direction.
Pruning
Although gasterias are fairly low-maintenance, they will benefit from light pruning after flowering. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best.
Pruning should be done with sharp, sterilized shears or knives. Simply remove any dead or dying leaves, as well as any that are significantly damaged. Avoid pruning too much at once, as this can shock the plant.
Instead, choose just one or two branches each time you prune your gasteria. A good rule of thumb is to never cut more than 1/3 of the foliage off of a single branch at one time.
When to repot
Gasteria excelsa should be repotted every two to three years. Spring is the best time to do this. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only one size larger than the current one. Water thoroughly after repotting and do not fertilize for six weeks.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Gasteria excelsa plants enter a state of dormancy during the winter months. This is a time of rest for the plant when growth slows down and the plant conserves its energy. The key to successful overwintering is to provide just enough water to keep the leaves from shriveling, but not so much that the plant rots.
Gasteria excelsa plants should be kept in a cool, dry place during dormancy. A good way to accomplish this is by putting them in an unheated garage or basement with plenty of air circulation. Water the plant sparingly while it’s dormant; only enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Gasteria excelsa flower & fragrance
Gasteria excelsa is a beautiful plant that produces stunning flowers. The fragrance of the flowers is amazing, and they can fill a room with their scent. However, the plant does require some care in order to thrive. Here are some tips on how to take care of your gasteria excelsa.
Growth rate
Gasteria excelsa is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a slow-growing plant. This plant can take several years to reach its full potential, but the wait is definitely worth it. When grown properly, it produces beautiful blooms that are sure to impress.
Toxicity
All Gasterias are considered non-toxic to humans and animals. However, the sap of some Gasteria species can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. If you experience any adverse reaction after coming into contact with a Gasteria, wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical attention if necessary.
USDA hardiness zones
Gasteria excelsa grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. When growing this plant indoors, it should be kept near a window with good light and watered regularly.
Pests and diseases
Gasteria excelsa is a very tough and resilient plant, but like all living things, it can fall prey to pests and diseases. The most common problems are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. To prevent these issues, be sure to inspect your plant regularly and quarantine any new plants before adding them to your collection.
In the event that you do have an infestation, there are many organic remedies for removing the problem at hand. If you want to use an organic option, try using neem oil or pyrethrum spray.
