Gasteria baylissiana aka Suurberg Oxtongue

Gasteria baylissiana is a small evergreen succulent in the Asphodelaceae family. It comes from South Africa's Suurberg Range in the Eastern Cape. There, it grows on steep faces of quartzitic sandstone. Subtropical thicket shades its rocky home. Gardeners also know it as lawyer's tongue or Suurberg gasteria. It grows slowly and forms small, dense clumps from its base.

Garden plants reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 m) tall and wide. LLIFLE gives a lower height of 0.02–0.13 feet (0.005–0.04 m). Its clumps can exceed 0.33 feet (0.1 m) across. The plant has no visible stem. Thick leaves grow in two facing rows, making a fan. Each leaf reaches about 0.18 feet (0.055 m) long. The leaves have rounded tips and a tough, rough surface. Dense pale bumps, called tubercles, cover their grey to grey-green skin. Stronger spring light can turn the leaf edges pink or burgundy.

Flower stalks rise above the leaves to 1.15 feet (0.35 m). Each can carry 15–25 small, hanging flowers. The flowers have swollen bases that narrow into short tubes. Most are reddish pink, with white and green markings. Spring brings the main display. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bloom from March to June. LLIFLE places the peak in March and April, with flowers possible year-round. Small fruits follow, holding oblong seeds.

Grow this plant in a pot with a porous, well-drained mix. The RHS recommends cactus compost under glass, with low humidity. Sandy or loamy soil suits it, with acidic or neutral pH. Light advice varies across the sources. The RHS calls for full light under glass. LLIFLE recommends shade, with some direct sun for part of the day. Water well during active growth, but avoid overly wet soil. Keep the mix only slightly moist at other times. The RHS rates it H2: it tolerates cool conditions but not freezing. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 10–11.

Its small size suits pots, windowsills, and miniature succulent gardens. It can also stand outdoors in summer in a sheltered spot. The RHS lists it for patios and low-maintenance container displays. Plants need no pruning and may take two to five years to mature. Grow new plants from seed, leaf cuttings, or offsets. Watch for mealybugs, though the RHS reports few disease problems.