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 best in shallow clay pots with drainage holes. In glazed and plastic pots, the plant feels uncomfortable. At least one-quarter of the volume should be allocated to the drainage layer. Commercial substrate for succulents or cacti is suitable for this stone flower. Occasionally it may not be loose enough, in which case a little sand should be added. One can prepare the soil independently by mixing: turf soil - 1 part, humus or peat - 1 part, coarse sand - 1 part. A drainage layer of small stones, crushed brick, vermiculite, or styrofoam must be placed at the bottom of the pot. The top layer of substrate is also lightly mulched with fine gravel.
Glottiphyllum cannot live without sun. In its natural habitat, the climate is hot and arid. It adapts well on south windows, though it is best not kept under intense blazing sun for too long. It will feel comfortable in light partial shade, but staying long in poorly lit areas of a room will halt its growth and send it into dormancy. In regions with long, overcast winters, providing the plant with artificial lighting during the day is desirable.
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 summer heat. What the succulent dislikes is stagnant, stuffy air. It is desirable that the room containing the plant is 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 curtailed (once a week indoors and once a month in greenhouses). With excess moisture, the plants do not bloom and frequently rot. Between waterings, the substrate must dry out completely. In any case, one must be guided by the microclimate in the home. If room humidity is low, weekly watering may be required. But this plant will always forgive underwatering; 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 is very beneficial, but plants also tolerate hard water: in their native habitats, soils are rich in mineral salts. There are no special requirements for humidity levels, but the plant should not be kept 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 performed at the start of the growing season, in spring. Before the procedure, one must wait for the root ball to dry out completely; the 'new' substrate should also not be moistened. Initially, spraying the soil surface is recommended instead of watering. In pots, the substrate depletes over time, and tap water does not contain the minerals essential for the health of our 'green friends'. From mid-spring through late summer, feeding the succulent a couple of times a month with a complete fertilizer formulated specifically for this genus is desirable. In autumn, feeding can be reduced to once a month, and discontinued completely for winter.
Glottiphyllum easily propagates 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, dried for several days, and rooted in perlite or a sand-peat mixture. Watering is very sparse and careful. The plant can also be propagated by seeds. Glottiphyllum flowers are cross-pollinated, so obtaining 'fruits' requires multiple specimens, making pollen transfer the owner's responsibility. It is also important to note that newly gathered seeds do not sprout - they must be aged in a dry place for several months before sowing.