Elegant Gasteria ‘Ox Tongue’ Polita 10cm

🌱 Care: Gasteria polita is a tough little forest dweller but bruises easily—handle gently to avoid black spots on its polished leaves, wiping dust with a soft cloth for shine. Overwatering causes root rot and yellowing, so use gritty, well-draining soil and let it dry fully between sessions. Brown edges signal low humidity in SA’s dry winters; mist sparingly or place on a pebble tray. Direct sun can scorch or purple its leaves, so opt for filtered light. Trim damaged leaves at the base to encourage offsets and keep its rosette tidy.

🌞 Light: Prefers bright, indirect light, like a lounge or office windowsill 1–2 m from a window with sheer curtains to filter SA’s intense rays; tolerates low light in shadier spots without stretching.

💧 Watering: Water sparingly when the top 3–5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 10–14 days in SA’s warm spring/summer, less in winter; use rainwater to prevent mineral buildup. Overwatering is a pitfall—soggy soil leads to rot, so ensure excellent drainage and avoid standing water.

🌡️ Temperature: Thrives at 15–25°C, perfect for South African homes, but protect from cold drafts below 10°C in winter or heat above 30°C in summer highs.

🍽️ Feeding: Use slow-release fertilizer sparingly at planting in spring to support steady growth, or apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer like Talborne Nourish 5:1:4 (5 ml per litre) every 6–8 weeks through spring and summer. Reduce to every 10–12 weeks in autumn and winter when dormant in SA’s cooler months. Avoid overfeeding to prevent salt buildup on sensitive roots.

🐾 Pet Friendly? ✅: Yes! Non-toxic to cats, dogs, aquatic life in fishtanks or ponds, and humans/children, making it a safe choice for South African households.