Glottiphyllum is a very easy plant to grow with more than modest requirements. First of all, it is necessary to select a suitable container. This succulent develops better in shallow clay pots with drainage holes. In glazed and plastic pots, the plant experiences discomfort. At least a quarter of the volume should be allocated to the drainage layer. A commercial substrate for succulents or cacti will suit this stone flower. Sometimes it is not loose enough, in which case a little sand should be added. You can prepare the soil yourself by making a mixture: turf soil - 1 part, humus or peat - 1 part, coarse sand - 1 part. Drainage made of small stones, crushed brick, vermiculite, or styrofoam must be placed at the bottom of the pot. The top layer of the substrate is also slightly dusted with gravel.
Glottiphyllum cannot live without the sun. In its natural habitat, the climate is hot and arid. It establishes well on southern windows, but still it is better not to keep it under scorching midday sun for long. It will feel comfortable in light shade, but staying long in poorly lit areas of a room will halt its growth and send it into dormancy. In regions with long, cloudy winters, it is desirable to provide the plant with artificial lighting during the day.
The "tongue-leaf" feels great at a temperature of 23-30 °C (73-86 °F). Its fleshy, juicy leaves accumulate a lot of moisture, so it will endure even higher heat in summer. What the succulent does not tolerate is stale air and stuffiness. It is desirable that the room where the plant is located be constantly ventilated. The lowest permissible temperature is 8 °C (46 °F). The optimal temperature for wintering is 14-16 °C (57-61 °F).
In summer it is watered only 2-3 times a month; in winter watering is sharply reduced (once a week indoors and once a month in greenhouses). With excess moisture, plants do not bloom and often rot. Between waterings, the substrate must dry out completely. In any case, one should be guided by the microclimate in the home. If the humidity in the room is low, watering every week may be required. But this plant will always forgive you for underwatering; there is enough moisture in its leaves to exist 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 you 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 sufficient. The root system is branched, so wide containers are necessary. Repotting is best done at the beginning of the growing season, that is, in spring. Before the procedure, it is necessary to wait for the root ball to dry out completely; the "new" substrate should not be moistened either. At first, instead of watering, it is recommended to mist the soil surface. In pots, the substrate eventually becomes depleted, and tap water does not contain minerals necessary for the health of our "green friends". From mid-spring to late summer, it is desirable to feed the succulent with a complete fertilizer a couple of times a month designed specifically for this plant genus. In autumn, fertilization can be reduced to once a month, and stopped completely for the winter.
Glottiphyllum is easily propagated by daughter rosettes or leaf cuttings. The former can be separated with roots during repotting or cut from the mother plant. Cuttings are sliced with sterilized tools. They are dried for several days and rooted in perlite or a sand-peat mixture. 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 transferring pollen becomes the owner's responsibility. It is also necessary to keep in mind that newly collected seeds do not germinate - before planting, they must be kept in a dry place for several months.