Botanical name: Gasteria baylissiana
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae
Gasteria baylissiana is a dwarf succulent plant whose strap-shaped leaves are swollen, convex, rough, leathery and densely covered in tiny, white, truncate tubercles.
The leaves in Gasteria baylissiana are arranged in two rows forming a fan-like shape which become elongated in shade while in sunnier conditions they remain short and compact.
The inflorescence in Gasteria baylissiana is borne on a stem up to 14 in. long which bears a row of bell-shaped, bright pink and green flowers which are unusually inflated.
Gasteria baylissiana is native to a deep gorge within the Albany Thicket in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Gasteria baylissiana grow best under bright light with some direct sunshine. A few feet away from a south- or west-facing window is ideal.
Avoid exposing your Gasteria baylissiana to too hot sunlight before acclimatizing it, as it can get sun burned. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Water your Gasteria baylissiana thoroughly during the growing season, when the soil begins to dry out.
Water your Gasteria baylissiana very infrequently during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Ensure that the pot for your Gasteria baylissiana has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
Avoiding wetting the center of the rosette as it can lead to rotting of your Gasteria baylissiana. Watering from the bottom is a better option.
Water your Gasteria baylissiana with water that is at room temperature water to avoid plant shock. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Average warmth temperatures from 18-290C) are ideal for your Gasteria baylissiana. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for the growth of this succulent.
Gasteria baylissiana has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is ideal for your Gasteria baylissiana.
Feed your Gasteria baylissiana monthly during the growing period with a water soluble fertilizer as they are slow growing and therefore do not need frequent feeding.
Withhold feeding for your Gasteria baylissiana during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
Repot your Gasteria baylissiana at the beginning of the growing season only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot for your Gasteria baylissiana as they have shallow roots.
The pot for your Gasteria baylissiana should be only 1 size larger than the previous one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
The best soil for your Gasteria baylissiana should be sandy or rocky soil as it drains easily inorder to avoid soggy soil which can lead to rotting of your plant.
Pruning your Gasteria baylissiana involves removal of dead or diseased leaves.
Cut the leaf at the base with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to detach it from the stem. Avoid excessive injury to your Gasteria baylissiana to minimise fungal and bacterial infections.
Gasteria baylissiana can be propagated from offsets (pups) which form at the base of the plant.
Select an offset which has several leaves and carefully seperate the offset from the mother Gasteria baylissiana by cutting with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Allow the Gasteria baylissiana offsets to dry for 1-3 days before potting to prevent rotting.
Plant the Gasteria baylissiana offset in free-draining soil and ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Water your Gasteria baylissiana sparingly, only when the soil is dry to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot.
Underwatering is the cause of wilted and droopy leaves your in Gasteria baylissiana
Immediately water your Gasteria baylissiana thoroughly and it should perk up. Never allow the soil to dry our completely, maintain it moderately moist.
Leaf spot disease is the cause of brown soft spots in your Gasteria baylissiana.
The occurence of the disease is enhanced by poor air circulation. Ensure that there is proper air circulation for your Gasteria baylissiana.
Overwatering during the cold season is the cause of wilted and discolored leaves in your Gasteria baylissiana.
Water your Gasteria baylissiana sparingly during the cold season and always allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings.
Basal stem rot disease due to overwet conditions is the cause of base rot followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves in your Gasteria baylissiana.
Avoid overwatering your Gasteria baylissiana during the cold season and reduce watering significantly to maintain the soil slightly moist.
Also, use a fungicidal solution ocassionally to water your Gasteria baylissiana to prevent infection.
Remove and discard the infected parts of your Gasteria baylissiana to prevent spread to the rest of the plant.
Common Pests in Gasteria baylissiana are Scales and Mealy Bugs.
Isolate the affected Gasteria baylissiana to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Gasteria baylissiana are non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow in the home.
