Looking for a low-maintenance succulent that can add some charm to your indoor or outdoor space? Look no further than the ox tongue plant, also known as Gasteria carinata var. verrucosa!  

The Gasteria carinata 'verrucosa' is commonly referred to as ox tongue due to the shape and texture of its leaves. The leaves of this plant are thick, fleshy, and elongated, resembling the tongue of an ox. Additionally, the rough and warty surface of the leaves further contributes to its resemblance to an ox's tongue, which gives its names warty aloe, wart Gasteria, Keeled oxtongue, and Bredasdorp Gasteria.    

Hailing all the way from South Africa, it has thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette with raised warts or bumps. With its dull green leaves adorned with white spots, it knows how to make a statement. These leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 12 inches wide at the base, giving them a bold presence.  

With their lovely orange-pink flowers that bloom in early spring, they are like a burst of fireworks and easy-to-care-for. These Gasteria flowers appear in simple racemes but might surprise you by adding some small branches here and there for an unexpected twist. This slow-growing succulent plant is sure to be a hit with both experienced gardeners and beginners alike. 

These ox tongue plants are non-toxic for both humans and pets and can be propagated easily by offsets or stem cuttings. So, whether you're an avid green thumb or just looking for a new addition to your collection, read on to learn more about the ox tongue plant! 

Watering Needs 

Often, people worry they aren't giving their ox tongue plants enough water when in reality they are over-watering them. This is especially the case with succulents Gasteria as they don't do well in moist soil which can result in root rot.  

It's best to wait until the top two inches of soil are completely dry before watering. Watch out for signs of dehydration such as a pale discoloration and shriveled stem indicating that the succulent is consuming its interior water supply. Besides hydrating correctly, it's also crucial to ensure that the potting soil drains quickly to avoid damaging cactus roots.

As drought-tolerant plants, the ox tongue can thrive with less frequent watering, and if you forget to water them for a month or more, they will probably survive just fine.  

Light Requirement 

The ox tongue Gasteria plant is a really versatile plant when it comes to light requirements. It can thrive in a variety of different light levels, from full sun to partial shade. However, it's important to be mindful of the intensity of the light - if it is exposed to direct sunlight for too long, it can actually burn the leaves. So, if you're planning on keeping your ox tongue in a sunny spot, make sure that it's getting some shade during the hottest parts of the day. 

If you're not sure what kind of lighting conditions your ox tongue plant needs, you can always observe the leaves. If the leaves are starting to turn brown or yellow, it might be a sign that your Gasteria ox tongue is getting too much sunlight. On the other hand, if the leaves are starting to stretch out or become pale, it might be a sign that it isn't getting enough light.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

 The ox tongue plant prefers well-draining soil that allows water to flow through easily. If the soil is too dense or compact, it can hold onto water for too long and cause root rot. To help ensure that your ox tongue plants are getting the right amount of water, you might want to consider using a succulent soil mix, which is specifically designed for plants like the ox tongue.

Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizer for your ox tongue plant, use a balanced natural fertilizer with an equal ratio of NPK (5-10-5) that's formulated for succulents. You can apply the fertilizer once a year during the growing season in the spring and then stop fertilizing altogether during the winter months.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as over-fertilizing can be just as harmful to the plant as under-fertilizing. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

As desert dwellers, the Gasteria plants enjoy hot temperatures. They prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate triple digits in the summer, so don't worry if your succulents get too hot.  

These ox tongue plants, on the other hand, cannot handle frost, cold, or freezing temperatures, so make sure it doesn't get below 45 

degrees Fahrenheit in its environment.  If grown outdoors this Gasteria Verrucosa’ grows best in USDA zone 9-11. 

Give this succulent Gasteria carinata 'verrucosa' a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!