Leaf color and pattern also varies greatly depending on the species, variety, and cultivar.
Colors range mostly from light to dark green, to grayish or bluish green, although some cultivars have yellow, white, silver, cream, or pinkish orange variegation.
Plants develop reddish tones during periods of stress such as drought or intense sunlight.
Gasterias produce long inflorescences which bear red, pink, or orange blooms with bulbous bases.
If they are pollinated by sunbirds, hummingbirds, or botanically inclined humans, green fruits form, containing black seeds.
Ripe fruits will turn brown, crack open, and the seeds are dispersed by the wind.
In their native ranges, they tend to grow in savannahs and other semi-arid habitats, nestled in among other vegetation, rocks, or in the crevices of steep cliff faces.
While gasterias are adaptable and make wonderful houseplants, they can also be cultivated outdoors year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, depending on the species.
How to Grow Gasteria
Gasterias are generally easy to care for, and while some species might have slightly different preferences, I’m going to describe the growing conditions favored by those most commonly found in cultivation.
Light
In their native ranges Gasteria species grow primarily in shaded or semi-shaded positions – behind or under other types of vegetation or rocks.
Outdoors, they do best when direct sun is limited to about four hours in the morning, with bright, indirect light the rest of the day.
Indoors make sure your succulent receives plenty of bright light. You may need to check your lighting conditions with a light meter – aim for around 800 foot candles – and if needed, supplement with a grow light.
If the plant is losing its compact growth habit and its foliage is turning a lighter color (usually pale green), it is likely not receiving enough sun.
However, if it takes on a reddish color, it may be an indication that it is exposed to too much direct sun.
Water
While gasteria succulents are drought tolerant, regular watering will keep them looking their best.
You need to allow the growing medium to dry thoroughly between waterings.
In summer this may mean watering approximately once a week, while in winter, you may be able to go for a month between waterings, depending on the day length and temperature.
