Lawyer's Tongue Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana

Water

Gasteria, commonly known as "Lawyer's Tongue," should be watered sparingly, as it is a succulent that prefers a dry climate. Generally, watering once every two to three weeks is sufficient, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, do so thoroughly, providing enough water so that it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Avoid watering little and often, as this can promote root rot. Depending on the size of the pot, you might use around 4 to 6 ounces of water each time for a small pot during the active growing season.

Light

Lawyer's Tongue thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it can get plenty of light but is shielded from the harsh rays of direct midday sun. A north-facing window or a position that receives filtered light through a sheer curtain would be ideal for maintaining the vibrant color and health of the plant.

Temperature

Lawyer's Tongue prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit as cold weather can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for this Gasteria is around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth and flourishing.

Pruning

Lawyer's Tongue rarely needs pruning. Occasionally, you may remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage good air circulation. The best time for pruning is in the spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growing phase. Pruning is typically done for aesthetic reasons and to remove any unwanted pups if you wish to control the spread of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Gasteria, commonly known as Ox Tongue, thrives in well-draining, gritty soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A recommended soil mix contains one part potting soil, one part perlite or pumice, and one part coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular cactus potting mixes with added organic matter can work well too.

Repotting

The Ox Tongue should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot to provide more room for growth and use a well-draining soil mix to ensure the health of the plant.

Humidity & Misting

The Ox Tongue prefers average room humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 60%. It is adaptable to drier environments and does not require high humidity to thrive, making it suitable for typical home conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Ox Tongue in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Grow Ox Tongue in shade to partial sun outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana, commonly known as "Liliput Gasteria," begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, moist conditions, typically in the cracks of rocks or in well-draining soil. The seedling stage is characterized by the development of small, fleshy leaves in a rosette pattern, which is a distinctive trait of the Gasteria genus. As the plant matures, it grows slowly, maintaining a compact size suitable for small containers or rock gardens. During adulthood, the plant may produce offsets, or small clones, around its base, which can be separated and propagated to generate new plants. Periodically, usually in the spring or early summer, the Liliput Gasteria sends up a spike with tubular, pinkish to coral red flowers, which can attract pollinators and result in seed production if pollination occurs. After many years, once it has reached the end of its lifespan, the plant will die back, leaving behind its offsets to continue its legacy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana, commonly known as "Lawyer's Tongue," can be propagated through several methods, but leaf cuttings are the most popular due to their simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate Lawyer's Tongue using leaf cuttings, carefully select healthy and unblemished leaves and use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to make a cut. Allow the leaf to callous over for a day or two to avoid potential rot when planting. Once calloused, insert the cut end of the leaf into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least a quarter inch (about 6 millimeters) of the leaf is buried in the soil. Water sparingly at first to prevent rot, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as roots develop. In optimal conditions, with moderate sunlight and temperatures, roots will begin to form within a few weeks and new growth will follow.