Care of the succulent plant Gasteria carinata or Bredasdorp gasteria |
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The genus Gasteria, family Xanthorrhoeaceae, comprises 80 species of succulent plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Gasteria carinata, Gasteria bicolor, Gasteria disticha, Gasteria excelsa, Gasteria liliputana, Gasteria angustifolia. Common names: Bredasdorp gasteria, Keeled ox-tongue. This species is native to Western Cape, South Africa. They are slow-growing succulent plants that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height; they spread wide, forming colonies. The leaves have a triangular-lanceolate shape, the margin leathery and are dark green with light spots. They produce flower stems with tubular orange-pink flowers. They can bloom from late winter to early summer. They are used in rockeries, on borders, in hanging pots for patios and terraces and as indoor plants next to a window (East or West orientation). Gasteria carinata prefers a semi-shaded or shaded exposure; direct sun causes leaves to turn reddish and can burn them. They resist light and occasional frosts if the substrate is dry. The soil can be an equal parts mixture of coarse sand and leaf mulch or a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents with 20% coarse sand. Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the substrate to dry. In autumn reduce the risks; in winter water once a month at most. Fertilize with compost in fall and mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents in early spring. They do not need pruning. They are sensitive plants to excess humidity. They propagate by seeds sown in the seedbed in spring or summer and from the suckers that they usually produce at the base. |
Images of the succulent plant Gasteria carinata or Bredasdorp gasteria |
 Gasteria carinata  Gasteria carinata  Gasteria carinata |