Glottiphyllum is a very simple plant to grow, with more than modest requirements. First and foremost, a suitable container must be selected. This succulent develops better in shallow clay pots with drainage holes. In glazed and plastic vessels, the plant feels uncomfortable. At least a quarter of the volume should be allocated to the drainage layer. A commercial substrate for succulents or cacti will suit this rock plant. Sometimes it is not loose enough, in which case a little sand should be added. You can prepare the soil yourself by making a mix: turf soil - 1 part, humus or peat - 1 part, coarse sand - 1 part. Drainage of fine stones, brick chips, vermiculite, or styrofoam must be laid at the bottom of the pot. The top layer of the substrate is also lightly dusted with gravel.
Glottiphyllum cannot live without sun. In its natural habitat, the climate is hot and arid. It adapts well on southern windows, but still it is better not to keep it in intense blazing sun for long periods. It will feel comfortable in light shade, but remaining for long in poorly lit parts of a room will halt its growth and put it into dormancy. In regions with long, low-sun winters, it is desirable to provide the plant with artificial lighting during the day.
The "tongue-leaf" thrives at a temperature of 23-30 °C (73-86 °F). Its fleshy succulent leaves store plenty of moisture, so it will endure even higher heat in summer. What the succulent dislikes is stagnant air and stuffiness. It is desirable that the room where the plant is located be regularly ventilated. The lowest permissible temperature is 8 °C (46 °F). The optimal temperature for overwintering is 14-16 °C (57-61 °F).
In summer it is watered only 2-3 times a month, while in winter watering is drastically reduced (once a week in rooms and once a month in greenhouses). With excess moisture, plants do not bloom and frequently rot. Between waterings, the substrate must dry out completely. In any case, one should be guided by the microclimate in the home. If humidity in the room is low, watering every week may be required. But this flower will always forgive under-watering; its leaves hold enough moisture to survive without water for several months. Water for irrigation should be warm and purified. Rainwater and snowmelt water can be used, which will be very beneficial for the plant, but plants also tolerate watering with hard water: in their natural habitats, soils are rich in mineral salts. There are no special requirements for humidity levels, but one should not keep the plant near radiators or other heating appliances. Misting is not allowed.
Young Glottiphyllums need to be repotted annually. For adults, once every two to three years is enough. The root system is branched, so wide containers are necessary. Repotting is best done at the beginning of the growing season, namely in spring. Before the procedure, it is necessary to wait for the soil ball to dry out completely; the "new" substrate also should not be moistened. Initially, instead of watering, it is recommended to mist the soil surface. Over time, the substrate in pots becomes depleted, and tap water does not contain the minerals necessary for the health of our "green friends". From mid-spring to late summer, it is desirable to feed the succulent a couple of times a month with a balanced fertilizer designed specifically for this genus of plants. In autumn, feeding can be reduced to once a month, and stopped completely for winter.
Glottiphyllum propagates easily by daughter rosettes or leaf cuttings. The former can be separated with roots during repotting or severed from the mother plant. Cuttings are taken with sterilized tools. They are dried for several days and rooted in perlite or a sand-peat mix. Water very sparingly and carefully. The plant can also be propagated by seeds. Glottiphyllum flowers are cross-pollinated, so obtaining "fruits" requires several specimens, and pollen transfer becomes the duty of the owner. It is also necessary to keep in mind that newly collected seeds do not sprout; before planting, they must be kept in a dry place for several months.