How to Care for Gasteria Retusa

Gasteria retusa is a distinctive, slow-growing succulent native to South Africa. It is admired for its thick, triangular leaves marked with subtle spots and a slightly rough texture that gives it a sculptural appeal. Compact and hardy, this plant is perfect for adding character to desks, shelves, or small spaces. With time and proper care, Gasteria retusa may even surprise you with tall, elegant flower spikes topped with coral-pink, tubular blooms that contrast beautifully against its bold foliage.

With easyplant, watering your Gasteria retusa is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once every 3 months and fill it if empty, and you’re all set!

Gasteria retusa grows best in a space with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused, and can also adapt to spaces with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

To keep Gasteria retusa looking its best, gently dust the leaves with a soft cloth every few weeks to remove buildup and help the plant absorb light efficiently. Rotate the plant about once a month so it grows evenly on all sides, as it naturally leans toward the light source. While pruning is rarely needed, you can carefully remove any older or dried leaves at the base to maintain a neat appearance. If your Gasteria retusa eventually outgrows its pot, repotting may be necessary. easyplant offers a repotting kit with a larger pot designed for this purpose, and it should only be used when the plant has clearly filled its current container. Repotting is a natural and healthy step in the plant’s life cycle, helping it continue to thrive in fresh soil with more room to grow.

Indoors, Gasteria retusa stays compact and slow-growing, usually reaching about 6 to 10 inches tall and spreading 6 to 8 inches wide. Its modest growth rate makes it an excellent choice for desks, shelves, or small living spaces where a low-maintenance plant is ideal. Over time, the plant may produce offsets, or “pups,” around its base, gradually creating a fuller cluster that enhances its sculptural look.

Gasteria retusa thrives in typical indoor temperatures ranging between 65°F and 80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler nights but should always be kept above 55°F to prevent stress or damage. Keep the plant away from cold drafts near windows, as well as direct blasts of air from heaters or air conditioning vents, which can cause the leaves to dry out. Normal household humidity is perfect for this succulent—no additional humidity is needed for it to grow and stay healthy.

Yes, Gasteria retusa is considered mildly toxic if ingested by pets or children. Chewing on the leaves may cause stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. To keep everyone safe, it’s best to place the plant out of reach of curious pets and little ones.

If the leaves of Gasteria retusa begin turning yellow or feel soft and mushy, it usually means the plant has been overwatered. With easyplant, this is avoided as long as you only refill the reservoir once every three months and wait until it’s completely empty before adding more water. For those not using easyplant, be sure to let the soil dry out entirely between waterings to prevent root rot. It’s also natural for older leaves at the base to dry out and shrivel over time—this is simply part of the plant’s growth cycle. Brown or crispy tips may occur if Gasteria retusa is getting too much direct sunlight or sitting near a draft, heater, or air vent. Adjusting its placement usually solves the problem. In rare cases, pests like mealybugs may appear, but these can be gently wiped away with a cotton swab or soft cloth.