A shade-tolerant succulent with thick tongue-shaped dark green leaves speckled in white, bearing arching sprays of curved stomach-shaped red-and-green flowers. An easy, forgiving, pet-safe collector's plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 15 cm H × 20 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Ox Tongue
Gasteria bicolor is a slow-growing succulent in the Asphodelaceae family. It reaches around 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Ox Tongue
Ox Tongue suits arid and semi-arid, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Ox Tongue does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Ox Tongue is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Ox Tongue after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Ox Tongue in the garden
Ox Tongue earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Ox Tongue with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Ox Tongue
Plant Sale lists Ox Tongue as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.