Although most gasterias perform well as pot plants in cultivation, Gasteria polita is particularly easily cultivated, thanks to its native habitat. It occurs on sandstone outcrops in slightly acid, humus-rich soil in an area that receives a high rainfall throughout the year. To survive here, plants have to tolerate disturbances by forest herbivores such as bushpig, porcupine and bushbuck. As a result, broken leaf fragments root readily when dropped on the forest floor, proliferating to form new plants. The plants are also adapted to low light intensity which makes them perfect to grow in our homes. Gasteria roots are usually sensitive to fusarium root rot brought about by excessive watering, but G. polita is remarkably resistant to this fungus, again thanks to its adaptation to the moist forest habitat and fog from low clouds, and will tolerate over-watering as long as the pots are well drained.

Gasteria polita can be used as a pot plant on window sills or on verandas, or outside in a rockery provided that frost is not severe. They prefer partial or dappled shade, so plant them on the shady side of rocks or underneath shrubs. They grow well in combination with other succulent plants. Plants can be given an annual dressing of compost placed on top of the soil. Any organic fertilizer may be used if compost is not available. Gasteria polita is tolerant of a wide range of soil and also grows well in the winter rainfall Western Cape gardens where it should be occasionally moistened during the dry summer months.

Propagation

Gasteria polita is easily propagated from leaf cuttings or seed. Seed: Cross pollination of Gasteria polita flowers is essential for the production of viable seed. In habitat the nectar-rich, tubular flowers are pollinated by sunbirds but in cultivation, particularly in a nursery, cross pollination must be done by man. To pollinate, mimic the action of the sunbird, i.e. find a small stick, like a sharpened match-stick, gently insert it into a flower on one plant then transfer the pollen that rubs off onto the stick onto the stigma of a flower on another plant. Capsules abort very soon if the flowers are not pollinated or if pollination was unsuccessful. Seed should be sown during spring or summer. Sow in a sandy, well-drained potting soil using standard seed trays. Cover with a thin layer of sand (1-2 mm), place in a warm, shady position and keep moist. Germination occurs within 3 weeks. The seedlings are slow growing, and can be planted out into individual bags as soon as they are large enough to handle. Flowering occurs within 3 to 4 years. Cuttings: Gasteria polita can also be propagated by leaf cuttings. After removing a leaf from the adult plant, let it lie for about 1 month for the leaf to form healing tissue. Then lay it on its side with the basal parts in potting soil. These should root within a month or two and small plants will form at their bases. These can be planted out as soon as they are large and firm enough to handle.