Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Gasteria excelsa prefers to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic its dormant period.
Overwatering is the most common cause of issues.
Also known as Blade Oxtongue · Ox Tongue
Gasteria excelsa is a striking succulent with thick, fleshy, tongue-shaped leaves often marked with raised white tubercles.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
50% intensity
Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
25% intensity
Reduce watering in winter.
Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
50% intensity
Average room temperatures between 18-24°C.
50% intensity
Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter (around 10-13°C) but protect from frost.
Outdoor, Indoor
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season (spring/summer).
25% intensity
Use diluted succulent fertilizer once or twice.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Gasteria excelsa prefers to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic its dormant period.
Overwatering is the most common cause of issues.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Gasteria excelsa. Remove any dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant using clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
This helps maintain the plant's aesthetic and prevents potential disease spread.
Easily propagated from offsets (pups) that grow around the base of the mother plant. Gently separate the offsets with a clean knife when they are a reasonable size and have developed their own roots.
Allow them to callus for a day or two before planting.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess moisture retention.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Gasteria Excelsa (Gasteria excelsa)
Where Gasteria Excelsa (Gasteria excelsa) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Gasteria |
| Species | Gasteria excelsa |
Similar in genus Gasteria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data