Succulents have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide with their unique forms and ability to thrive in diverse environments. Gasteria Okavango is a true gem of the desert among these captivating succulents. With its stunning appearance and ability to withstand arid conditions, this remarkable succulent has garnered attention for its exquisite beauty and adaptability.
General Information
Gasteria Okavango, known as the Desert Jewel, unveils a world of mesmerizing beauty and tenacity. This exceptional succulent captures the essence of the desert landscape, making it a captivating addition to any plant collection or arid garden.
Physical Features
This plant usually reaches between 4 and 6 inches (10 – 15 cm) and spread out to nearly 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
The flowers are like small tubes and are a bit curved. You might feel they are smooth and look delicate. These flowers are usually light green or pink, sometimes with darker lines or spots. Moreover, these flowers usually appear in spring or early summer and normally last for several weeks (about 2 to 4 weeks). Additionally, the flowers grow on long, thin stems that stick up from the middle of the plant, called “stalks”.
The leaves are thick. They are shaped like long ovals or tongues. If you touch the leaves, they feel a bit bumpy due to the small white spots. The leaves have a dark green color. But, if the plant gets a lot of sun, the green might look blue or gray. Regarding the edges, they are smooth, not sharp or spiky. As many other succulents, its leaves can be a small water storage, which is great for dry places.
The roots are not very deep but spread out near the surface of the soil to soak up water quickly from the ground. They grow out more than down, which helps the plant get water from a wider area. It’s important not to give the plant too much water because its roots can rot.
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Low Maintenance
Light: It likes bright, indirect light. It is ideal to put it under sunlight for at least 6 hours. If it’s indoors, a position near a window where it gets some sun. You can also use artificial grow light between 12 and 14 hours.
Watering: Generally, this plant doesn’t need a lot of water. You should change watering routine in growing seasons and dormant seasons. You can water it once every 2 to 3 weeks in growing season. In contrast, you reduce the frequency to once a month or even less in dormant seasons. Make sure the soil is dry enough. And you should water until you see the water flow out of the drainage hole.
Soil: Use well-draining soil, like a cactus or succulent mix. This soil type helps ensure water stays around the roots for a short time.
Temperature: Gasteria ‘Okavango’ does most in indoor temperatures (15°C to 27°C). Furthermore, USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 are great for its growth. In winter, keep it away from cold or have a method to protect it.
Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect for pests or signs of diseases, taking appropriate measures to address any issues promptly.
DO YOU KNOW? Caring (propagating, pruning/trimming, beheading, watering, …) is a set of skills that is widely applicable to succulents. Read the in-depth guide here >>
Richard Miller – Succulent City
Propagation and Care Tips
Gasteria Okavango can be created through offsets, smaller plants that develop around the mother plant’s base. These offsets can be carefully separated and replanted in well-draining soil to establish new specimens. Or you can try the leaf cutting method, which is still the same but the difference is you take off the mature leaves to grow a new baby Gasteria.
Conclusion
Gasteria Okavango, the Desert Jewel, shines with its unique beauty and low maintenance needs make it a sought-after succulent for plant enthusiasts and gardeners.
To delve deeper into the world of Gasteria, click here for further information:
ABOUT ME
Richard | Editor-in-chief at Succulent City
Hey everyone! I’m Richard. Welcome to my blog, which is all about succulents, cacti, and a bit about air plants. Ten years back, in 2013, I began my journey with succulents. It started as a simple hobby, crafting and selling charming succulent-themed pins and decorations. But as time passed, my fascination with these remarkable plants grew, and I gained extensive knowledge about them. Therefore, Succulent City is the blog as you see it is now. Enjoy your visit and happly planting!