Long, tall racemes are graced with pendulant, orange tubular flowers tipped in yellow that are inflated towards the base. This is among the smallest growing of the Gasteria, commonly known as ox tongues. The plant slowly spreads by offshoots that create a solid mass of dark green foliage decorated with white raised dots. This is an easy house plant for a sunny windowsill that does not require much water or maintenance.

Recent taxonomic treatments have moved this plant from Gasteria liliputana and often is referred to as Gasteria obliqua. The genus is closely related to Aloe and, like them, are pollinated primarily by sunbirds.