Gasteria Plants Propagation from Pups, Leaves and Seeds
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Gasteria Plants are best propagated from pups (offsets) which form at the base of the plant. The ideal time to propagate is at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when they are actively growing.
Gasteria can also be propagated from leaves but the process is time consuming and the leaves may not root. Germination of seeds is also possible but they take long to germinate and even longer to mature.
The Gasteria Succulents are recognizable from their thick, hard, succulent "tongue-shaped" leaves and hence their common names Ox-tongue, Cow-tongue, Lawyer's Tongue and occasionally Mother-in-law's Tongue.
Generally, Gasteria grow best in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-290C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer. Learn how to grow and care for Gasteria Plants.
In this guide, we discuss how you can propagate Gasteria Plants from offsets (pups), leaves and seeds. Let's dive in.
Gasteria disticha
1. How to Propagate Gasteria from Pups
New pups usually root within a few weeks and begin growing on their own soon after.
- Select an offset which has several leaves and some roots.
- Carefully seperate the offset from the mother by cutting at the base just below the rosette with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
- Allow the offsets to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before potting to prevent rotting.
- Select a shallow pot that is slightly wider than the base of the offset and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.
- Fill the pot one thirdway with a loose, well-draining soil and moisten it slightly.
- Place the offset in the center of the pot and continue filling it with the soil while firm the soil around the base of the offset.
- Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root-rot.
- Allow the new plant to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
2. How to Propagate Gasteria from Leaves
Leaves may take several weeks to months for roots and baby plants to emerge. Not all leaves will succeed, but the ones that do are immensely satisfying.
- Choose a healthy, mature leaf and let it dry for 3–5 days until the cut edge callouses.
- Lay the leaf on moist soil and do not allow the cut end to touch the soil to prevent rotting.
- Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist through out by light misting.
- Roots will grow from the cut end into the moist soil and soon after, new plants will develop.
- Fill small pots with loose, well-draining potting mix, moisten it lightly and make a hole in the center.
- Carefully lift the new plant and place in the previously made hole while taking care not to damage the delicate roots.
- Place the set up in warm place under bright indirect light away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.
Gasteria pillansii
3. How to Propagate Gasteria from Seeds
Seeds are slow to germinate and even slower to mature. Seed-grown Gasterias can take several years to resemble their parent plant. It is a labor of love, but worth it for collectors.
- Prepare a shallow tray with sand potting soil.
- Sow the seeds in the soil.
- Mist gently and place the set up in warm conditions (21-270C).
- Provide bright but indirect light.
- Mist regularly to keep the medium moist.
- Germination may take 2–6 weeks. Once seedlings appear, select 6 or 8 inches pots that have a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
- Fill the pots with succulents soil, moisten it and transplant the seedlings.
- Place the pots in a warm place under bright indirect light.
- Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you propagate Gasteria from a leaf?
Yes. It is possible to propagate Gasteria from a leaf but the process takes several months and is not always successful.
2. How long does it take to propagate Gasteria from leaf cuttings?
To propagate Gasteria from leaf cuttings may take several weeks to a few months. Rooting is slow and not always successful.
3. How do you seperate Gasteria pups?
Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning scissors cut away the pups at the base just below the rosette to seperate it from the mother plant.
4. What is the best time to propagate Gasteria?
Spring to early summer are the best times, as the plant is actively growing at thistime.
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