Gasteria 'Big Brother' is a notable cultivar within the Gasteria genus, celebrated for its substantial size compared to many other Gasterias, and its characteristically thick, tongue-shaped leaves adorned with unique patterns and textures. This robust succulent makes a statement in any collection, offering a bold and architectural presence with its striking foliage.
 
Key Features of Gasteria 'Big Brother'
Large Size: As its name suggests, this cultivar is larger than many other Gasterias, featuring longer and wider leaves.
Thick, Tongue-Shaped Leaves: The leaves are fleshy, elongated, and typically have a distinct tongue-like shape.
Textured Surface: The leaf surface often exhibits a rough texture, with bumps, ridges, or tubercles.
Unique Patterns: The leaves are adorned with distinctive patterns, which can include bands, spots, or marbling in shades of dark green, lighter green, grey, or even hints of reddish-brown.
Sturdy Growth Habit: Forms a robust and substantial rosette or fan-like arrangement of leaves.
Relatively Slow Growth: While larger, it typically grows at a slow to moderate pace.
Occasional Flowers: Mature plants can produce tall flower spikes bearing tubular, often orange or reddish-pink flowers, characteristic of the Gasteria genus.
 
Care for Your Gasteria 'Big Brother'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Soil: Requires a well-draining succulent mix.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided, especially during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the plant.
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant has significantly outgrown its container. Choose a sturdy pot with good drainage. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and scale. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid over-fertilizing.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Offsets (Pups): The most common and easiest method is by carefully separating the offsets that grow at the base of the mother plant. Ensure the offsets have developed some roots before separating them and planting them in their own pots with well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower and less reliable for Gasteria, and may not always produce plants with the same characteristics as the parent. Allow the cut end to callus before planting.
Seeds: Propagation can also be done by seeds, although this method is typically slower and may not produce offspring identical to the parent cultivar.
 
Gasteria 'Big Brother' is a striking and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that makes a bold statement with its substantial size, thick textured leaves, and unique patterns. Its robust nature and architectural form make it a prized addition to any succulent collection.
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.