Gasteria bicolor (Lawyer's Tongue)


Botanical Information

FamilyXanthorrhoeaceae
GenusGasteria
Speciesbicolor
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginEastern Cape of South Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)5
Temperature (°F)10
Height20 - 50 cm
Spread30 - 60 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July

Description and Growing Information

ShapeClumping.
LandscapeRock gardens, borders, containers, indoor or outdoor potted plant, within succulent collections or arrangements or as a specimen.
PropagationDivision and separation of offsets (pups).
CultivationPlant in loose, well-draining cactus mix, gravelly or sandy soils in full sun. Repot annually to encourage growth.
PestsBlack spot, leaf rot, aphids and mealybugs.
Notable SpecimensThe Devonian Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta.
HabitatRocky outcroppings.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth succulent flesh with variegation in the form of countless small spots.
Leaf DescriptionBroad lanceolate leaves, measuring between 5 - 20 cm in length and 3 - 6 cm in width that resemble flat sharp tongues.
Flower DescriptionSpherical, drooping closed flowers about 1 - 1.5 cm in diameter grow along solitary-standing flowering stems.
Colour DescriptionDeep green leaves with creamy white variegation. The apices of mature leaves grow a deep reddish-green to bright red colour. Flowers show a contrasting coral pink to purplish-pink hue.
Texture DescriptionSmooth, waxy.

Photographs