Ox Tongue Plant (Gasteria bicolor)

Ox Tongue Plant

Gasteria bicolor

Thick, tongue-shaped leaves hold desert resilience like living stone art. Succulent foliage plant; common name: cow tongue succulent.

Partial sun
1/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade; avoid prolonged direct summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
💧
Watering Water thoroughly only when soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives at 15–25℃; tolerate brief dips to 5℃ but avoid frost exposure
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Thick, fleshy tongue-shaped leaves with white tubercles arranged in bands; dark green to light green
  • Flower: Tubular, pinkish-orange blooms on erect stalks; drooping clusters
  • Stem: Short, compact stem hidden by dense leaf rosettes
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Allow soil to dry fully between waterings; water every 7–10 days

Fertilization

Diluted low-nitrogen feed once every 2 months. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth is dormant

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface; avoid direct contact with leaf bases to prevent mold
Pruning
  • Trim dried, brown leaf tips with clean, sharp scissors to maintain appearance
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to new leaf growth
  • Thin overcrowded offshoots in spring to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for windowsills, rock gardens, and container arrangements