Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ is a striking tropical houseplant known for its bold, textured leaves and vibrant golden-green color. Loved for both its dramatic look and easygoing nature, this plant is a great choice for indoor gardeners at any level. With the right balance of light, water, and warmth, Golden Crocodile grows steadily and becomes a standout feature in any space. This care guide walks you through simple, practical tips to help your plant stay healthy, full, and thriving year-round.
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ is a compact, slow-growing succulent admired for its thick, dark green leaves covered in small raised white bumps. These natural markings give the plant a textured, sculptural appearance, making it a distinctive addition to indoor plant collections. Native to South Africa, Gasteria species are well known for their ability to adapt to indoor environments. Compared to many other succulents, they are generally more forgiving and easier to maintain, which makes Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ a popular choice for beginners as well as experienced plant enthusiasts.
Although this plant is considered low-maintenance, there are still several important factors to understand in order to keep it healthy and attractive over time. This blog post provides a complete care guide for Gasteria ‘Little Warty’, covering essential topics such as light exposure, watering practices, soil selection, fertilizing frequency, and other key considerations for long-term growth.
LIGHTING
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ prefers bright, indirect light and performs best in locations that receive gentle morning sun or filtered daylight throughout the day. An east-facing window or a position set a short distance away from a bright window provides suitable lighting conditions. To promote even growth, rotating the pot occasionally can help prevent the plant from leaning in one direction. Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ can also adapt well to artificial grow lights when natural light is limited, provided the light is not too intense and is positioned at an appropriate distance.
Unlike many sun-loving succulents, this plant does not require intense direct sunlight and may become stressed if exposed to strong afternoon sun for extended periods. Excessive direct light can lead to leaf discoloration, yellowing, or the development of reddish stress tones, particularly on younger or newly formed leaves. In contrast, very low light levels may slow growth and cause the leaves to stretch slightly as the plant grows toward the light source.
Image by @nvhill40
WATERING
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves and prefers infrequent watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings, including the deeper layers of the pot. Checking dryness with a finger or wooden stick inserted into the soil can help prevent watering too soon.
During spring and summer, watering every two to three weeks is generally sufficient, depending on indoor temperature, airflow, and the type of potting mix used. In cooler months or during periods of slower growth, watering can be reduced to once a month or less. Plants grown in porous containers or fast-draining soil may dry out more quickly and require slight adjustments.
Overwatering is the most common issue with this plant and can quickly lead to root rot. Signs of excess moisture include soft, translucent leaves, yellowing, or a mushy base at the soil line. Underwatering is usually less harmful and may cause mild leaf wrinkling or a slightly dull appearance, which typically improves once proper watering habits are restored. Avoid allowing water to sit in the crown of the plant, as prolonged moisture in this area can increase the risk of rot.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ thrives in warm, stable indoor temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler conditions better than many other succulents, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F should be avoided. Consistent temperatures support steady growth, while sudden fluctuations may slow development or cause visible stress.
Cold drafts from windows, air conditioning vents, or doors can negatively affect the plant, especially during winter. Similarly, exposure to excessive heat from heaters or radiators may cause the leaves to lose moisture more quickly. Maintaining a stable indoor environment helps preserve the plant’s compact form and overall health.
This species prefers low to moderate humidity and does not require additional moisture in the air. Average household humidity levels are generally sufficient. High humidity combined with poor airflow or overly wet soil can increase the risk of fungal issues or root rot, so good ventilation and proper watering practices are more important than humidity control.
SOIL AND FERTILIZER
Well-draining soil is essential for healthy root development in Gasteria ‘Little Warty’. A commercial cactus or succulent mix provides a suitable base, or a custom blend can be created by combining standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and airflow around the roots. Soils that are heavy, dense, or compacted should be avoided, as they tend to hold excess moisture and increase the risk of root rot.
Using a pot with drainage holes is equally important, as it allows excess water to escape and prevents water from pooling at the bottom of the container. If the soil remains wet for long periods after watering, it may indicate that the mix is too dense or that drainage needs improvement.
Fertilizing is optional but can encourage steady, controlled growth during the active growing season in spring and summer. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer applied once every six to eight weeks is sufficient. Fertilizers should always be applied lightly, as over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, weak growth, or root damage. During fall and winter, when growth slows, fertilizing should be stopped entirely.
TOXICITY
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. It does not contain known compounds that are harmful if touched or handled, making it a suitable choice for indoor environments where children or animals may be present.
However, as with most houseplants, ingestion of plant material is not recommended. Chewing on the leaves may cause mild stomach discomfort in pets due to the fibrous texture, even though the plant itself is not classified as toxic. Keeping the plant out of reach of curious pets can help prevent accidental damage to the plant and unnecessary irritation. Overall, Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ is regarded as a safe, low-risk succulent for most households when basic care and common-sense precautions are followed.
EXTRA CARES
POTTING AND REPOTTING
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ grows slowly and does not require frequent repotting. Repotting every two to three years is generally sufficient, or when the plant becomes root-bound and outgrows its current container. Signs that repotting may be needed include roots circling the bottom of the pot, soil drying out unusually fast, or slowed growth despite proper care.
When repotting, it is best to choose a container with drainage holes that is only slightly larger than the existing root system. Oversized pots tend to hold excess moisture, which can increase the risk of root rot. Terracotta pots are often recommended, as their porous surface allows moisture to evaporate more quickly and helps regulate soil dryness.
Spring or early summer is the ideal time for repotting, as the plant is entering its active growth phase and can recover more easily. During the process, old or damaged roots can be gently trimmed if necessary. After repotting, the plant should be left dry for several days before watering to allow any minor root damage to heal, reducing stress and the chance of rot.
PROPAGATION
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ can be propagated through offsets or leaf cuttings, with offsets being the more reliable and commonly used method.
Offsets naturally develop at the base of the mother plant and can be separated during repotting. The plant should be removed gently from its pot, and the offset carefully detached using clean hands or a sterile tool if needed. Any damaged roots can be trimmed before the offset is left to dry and form a callous for a few days in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Once calloused, the offset can be planted into dry, well-draining soil in a small container. Watering should be delayed for several days and then resumed lightly as new growth begins to establish.
Leaf cuttings are also possible but require more patience and careful handling. A healthy, mature leaf should be removed cleanly from the base of the plant and allowed to dry for several days until the cut end callouses. The leaf can then be placed on top of dry, well-draining soil or inserted slightly into the soil. Watering should be kept minimal until roots or new growth appear, which may take several weeks or longer. Propagation is most successful during spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing and better able to recover and establish new roots.
PRUNING
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ requires very little pruning due to its slow growth and compact form. Regular pruning is not necessary, but occasional maintenance helps keep the plant healthy and visually tidy. Dry, damaged, or yellowing leaves can be removed as needed to improve appearance and prevent potential issues.
Pruning should be done using clean, sharp scissors or a sterile knife to avoid introducing bacteria or disease. Leaves should be cut close to the base of the plant without damaging the central growth point. Any removed material should be discarded rather than left on the soil surface, where it could retain moisture and attract pests. The best time for pruning is during the active growing season in spring or early summer, when the plant can recover more easily.
After pruning, watering should be kept light for a short period to allow cut surfaces to dry and reduce the risk of rot. Overall, minimal and careful pruning is sufficient to maintain the health and shape of Gasteria ‘Little Warty’.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Overwatering is the most common issue affecting Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ and can quickly lead to root rot or soft, translucent leaves. This often occurs when the soil does not dry out fully between waterings or when the plant is grown in poorly draining soil. Using a well-draining potting mix, choosing containers with drainage holes, and adjusting watering frequency based on season and indoor conditions help reduce this risk.
Insufficient or improper lighting may also cause problems. Low light conditions can slow growth and lead to slightly elongated or stretched leaves, while prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight may result in leaf discoloration, yellowing, or reddish stress tones. Maintaining consistent, moderate light supports healthy growth and stable leaf color.
Pests are relatively uncommon but may occasionally include mealybugs, which appear as small white, cotton-like clusters on the leaves or near the base of the plant. These can be removed manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Regular inspection and good airflow help prevent infestations. With proper care and attention to these common issues, Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ remains a resilient and long-lasting indoor plant.