How Do You Care For Gasteria Carinata?

What Is A Gasteria Carinata?

Gasteria carinata, also known as “Bredasdorp Gasteria” or “Keeled Gasteria,” is a tiny succulent plant that is indigenous to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Its appearance can vary greatly.

This species exhibits a great deal of genetic diversity. It features leaves that are typically pointed, triangular in shape, mottled in color, and channeled on the top surface.

The ends of the leaves taper down into sharp points, and mature plants typically have keels in their stems.

The leaves have a slight striped appearance due to the arrangement of the small dots on the leaf surfaces in bands (similar to Gasteria batesiana). It is proliferous and can form dense clumps.

How Do You Care For Gasteria Carinata?

There are around 22 species that are indigenous to South Africa that are classified under the genus gasteria, which is part of the family Asphodelaceae.

I have not been able to locate a common name for gasteria carinata; nonetheless, it is occasionally referred to as pencil leaf or octongue.

Various varieties available have variegated leaves that are yellow or white in color.

Gasteria Carinata needs the following to thrive;

Sunlight Requirements

Gasteria carinata bears many hybrids that pale compared to the parent plant, but they need sunlight to remain healthy and vigorous. The common point of reference is around 6 hours of sunlight a day.

The ideal lighting conditions for Gasteria carinata are bright, indirect light with some morning and/or evening sun.

It can survive in a partially shaded location, even if it is not variegated. During the warm summer months, you might put it in a spot that is shielded from the rain in the garden or on the balcony.

Soil Requirements

Gasteria carinata can be grown in any soil that is adequate to accommodate its needs. In fact, they tend to grow better in well-drained soil.

The soil should be nutrient-rich and have the right mix of essential elements to help it thrive. The soil should also contain well-rotted compost.

It is possible to use a typical cactus potting mix, but the soil has to have good drainage. You can also use a basic mix that includes charcoal, grit, sand and other ingredients. Avoid using mixes that include potting soil or compost.

Water Requirements

Watering Gasteria carinata is important, but it does not need a lot of liquid water to survive.

The plant can survive in a range of soil moisture levels and prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.

Give as much water as necessary till it comes out of the bottom hole of the pot. Wait until the soil is dry before you water it again. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter to make sure that your soil is not too moist or too dry.

Fertilization Requirements

Gasteria carinata is able to survive during the summer months without any feeding or fertilizer. Fertilize it once a month while you are growing it in the spring.

A cactus fertilizer can be applied at a concentration of between one quarter and one half. Monthly throughout the spring and summer months, and every six to eight weeks during winter if the bottle is kept at room temperature.

Fertilizer is not required for the first eight weeks for plants that have been repotted.

Temperature Requirements

Gasteria carinata thrive at a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius.

It can survive in conditions that are up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resistant to frost down to -1 degrees Celsius (Or less). It does particularly well in Mediterranean gardens and other climates with mild winters.

In the winter, gasteria carinata should be kept at a temperature of 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Humidity Requirements

Always keeping the relative humidity low is required. It is critical that the humidity level does not rise above 50% for the plant to thrive.

They can survive in a range of low humidity than its native environment, so you might be able to set them in a room or on a balcony with plenty of ventilation and move it around at times. The ideal range is 40-50%.

How Do You Propagate Gasteria Carinata?

Gasteria Carinata can be propagated through offsets, Leaf Cuttings, and seeds.

Offsets Propagation

The plant can be propagated from offsets.

• Remove offsets from the mother plant and repot them in small pots.
• Use well-drained soil to pot the plant with, and make sure you don’t cover the top of the plant while planting it.
• Place the plant where it will be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Water the plant regularly so that the soil remains moist but not soggy.
• The plant can be fertilized using a dilute cactus fertilizer every month during warm weather.
• The plant can be expected to grow new leaves in a few months; its growth will depend on your climate and care.

Leaf-Cutting Propagation

Leaf cuttings from gasteria carinata can be propagated in the same way as you would propagate any succulent plant.

• To reproduce by means of leaf cuttings, first, remove a leaf (this should be done in the spring for optimal results), then set the leaf aside for approximately one month to let the wound heal.
• Next, place the leaf so that it is lying on its side with the base of it covered in the dirt. This leaf should start to produce roots within a month or two, and little plants will start to form at the base of the leaf.
• Cuttings will root most successfully in sterile sand. After the plants have established their roots, they may be transplanted into separate pots.

Seeds Propagation

Gasteria Carinata can be propagated by planting seeds.

• Plant the seeds in the spring or the summer in a warm, shaded location with soil that is sandy and somewhat acidic. Be sure to keep the soil wet.
• Maintain a wet environment and cover with a thin layer of sand. The germination process typically takes around 20 days.
• Because seedlings mature slowly, they should be transplanted into their permanent locations around one year after being sown. When growing it from seed, it is advised that a fungicide be used at some point.

How Tall Can Gasteria Carinata Get?

The Gasteria carinata is a succulent that resembles an aloe and can be either decumbent or upright in its growth habit.

In the spring, it produces racemes of rosy-pink flowers and develops a thick cluster with leaves that are spotted dull green and have offsets that grow freely from the base of the plant.

The clumps range in size from 15 to 80 centimeters across and 3 to 18 centimeters in height.

This species has a wide range of possible variations.

This species, more than any other in the genus Gasteria, exemplifies the variety that is characteristic of the genus.

Where Is Gasteria Carinata Native To?

It is native to South Africa. Parts of the Cape Province located to the East and South of the Western Cape (from Mossel Bay in the east to Cape south of the Riviersonderend and Langeberg Mountains).

Altitude: Ranging from quite near to sea level to an altitude that is roughly 300 meters higher than sea level.

Hilly terrain, river valleys, and steep rock ledges, on shale and sandstone outcrops, and rarely limestone, amid dry open fynbos vegetation are the species’ natural habitats.

Is Gasteria Carinata A Fast Grower?

Gasteria carinata is a slow-growing species that does not require special care or attention.

This succulent does best in warm climates with lots of sunlight.

It will withstand cold winter temperatures and freezing temperatures in the summer provided that their soil remains moist and that they are moved indoors to escape cold weather.

In autumn, it may be moved inside if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If its roots get exposed, frost damage might occur.

It can tolerate partial shade provided that its roots are kept moist during sun exposure.

It is easy to care for and may be grown on window sills, verandas, in tiny succulent gardens where it is glad to share its home with other smaller succulent plants, or in outdoor rockeries due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements.

How Much Light Does Gasteria Carinata Need?

Gasteria carinata is a versatile plant that will thrive in different lighting conditions.

It does well in bright indirect light and needs a little bit of cover, but it can handle being in the sun for part of the day. The leaf acquires a pleasant pinkish hue and keeps its compact form after receiving some sun exposure.

The ideal lighting conditions for Gasteria carinata are bright, indirect light with some morning and/or evening sun. It can survive in a location that is partially shaded even if it is not variegated.

During the warm summer months, you might put it in a spot that is shielded from the rain in the garden or on the balcony.

Avoid direct sunlight, where the leaves will burn and develop black spots.

Is Gasteria Carinata Hardy?

Gasteria Carinata is not a hardy succulent, meaning it may not tolerate very cold temperatures or frost. It is a slow-growing succulent that may be damaged by freezes unless it is grown indoors.

It can survive a brief frost in cold winter temperatures provided that its soil remains moist and there is no exposure to wind, which will cause the leaves to become brittle and break off.

Only water your plants during the winter months when the soil has gotten entirely dry. Resistant to frost down to -1 degrees Celsius (Or less). It does particularly well in Mediterranean gardens and other climates with mild winters.

The summers are scorching in their native environment, but the evenings are pleasant. Winters are moderate with occasional light frost.