Gasteria baylissiana Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Repotting, Propagation, Problems
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Gasteria baylissiana requires bright light with some sunlight, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Gasteria baylissiana is one of the popular Gasteria varieties and bears strap-shaped leaves which are swollen, convex, rough, leathery and densely covered in tiny, white, truncate tubercles.
The leaves are arranged in two rows forming a fan-like shape which become elongated in shade while in sunnier conditions they remain short and compact.
Botanical name: Gasteria baylissiana
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae
Origin
Gasteria baylissiana is native to a deep gorge within the Albany Thicket in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Flower
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.
Is Gasteria baylissiana toxic?
No. Gasteria baylissiana are non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow in a home with children, cats, dogs and other pets.
Where to Buy
Would you would like to add Gasteria baylissiana to your collection? You may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to care for Gasteria baylissiana indoors
To care for Gasteria baylissiana indoors, give it bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, warmth of 18-290C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer.
Gasteria baylissiana repotting is done at the beginning of the growing season only when the plant is pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water your Gasteria baylissiana thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering which can lead to rotting, yellowing and death of the plant.
Significantly, reduce watering in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time to keep the soil slightly moist. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting and shrivelled leaves.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock which can cause reduced growth and eventual loss of the plant. Only use chlorine-free water to prevent staining and browning of leaves edges.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging as it can result in rotting and death of the plant.
Avoiding wetting the center of the rosette to prevent rotting. Watering from the bottom is a better option. Always discard the excess water from the catchplate to avoid having the plant sitting on water.
Light Requirements
Gasteria baylissiana grows best in bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine. Avoid exposing the plant to hot midday sun before acclimating it, as it can get sun scorched.
Under too little light, the plant become leggy with yellowing leaves and will eventually stop growing. Therefore, where natural light is not sufficient, you may use full spectrum grow lights to supplement it.
Rotate the pot regularly to make sure that the plant receives light on all sides for a uniform growth and avoid lopsided growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Gasteria baylissiana thrives in a warmth of 18-290C. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for the growth of this succulent. Keep it away from drafts to prevent stunted growth and death of the plant.
Gasteria baylissiana has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this succulent. Maintain free air flow to discourage fungal diseases.
Potting Soil
The best potting mix for Gasteria baylissiana should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to prevent waterlogging. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A blend of 2 parts cactus & succulents potting mix, 1 part perlite or pumice, and 1 part coarse sand or gravel is perfect for these plants.
Fertilizer
Feed your Gasteria baylissiana monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer as they are slow growing and therefore do not need frequent feeding.
Do not feed in fall and winter as growth is reduced at this time, thus, the plant does not need it. Feeding at this time can result in fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Repotting
Repot your Gasteria baylissiana at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as they have shallow roots.
The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting. Take a look at these succulents pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Gasteria baylissiana involves removal of dead or diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Cut the leaf at the base with a sharp knife or a pair of pruning scissors to detach it from the stem. Avoid excessive injury to minimise fungal and bacterial infections.
Gasteria baylissiana Propagation
Gasteria baylissiana is best propagated from offsets (pups) which form at the base of the plant. The best time to propagate is at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when the plant is actively growing.
Propagating Gasteria baylissiana from offsets (pups)
- Select an offset which has several leaves and carefully seperate it from the mother plant by cutting with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
- Allow the offsets to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before potting to prevent rotting.
- Plant the offset in free-draining soil and ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent rotting.
- Place the set up in a warm, brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
- Water sparingly; only when the soil is dry to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot.
- Allow the new plant to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
Gasteria baylissiana Problems & Remedies
Gasteria baylissiana problems are wilting & drooping leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Wilting & drooping leaves
Wilting and drooping leaves on Gasteria baylissiana are caused by underwatering, temperature stress and soggy soil.
How to fix it
Underwatering: Do not allow the soil to dry our completely; maintain it moderately moist in spring and summer and slightly moist in fall and winter.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts to avoid temperature flactuations.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and loose, well-draining soil.
Pests
Common Pests of Gasteria baylissiana are scales and mealybugs which are prevalent in dry, stuffy conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers' recommendations.
- Regularly check underneath and between the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Maintain the plant properly pruned and raise humidity to depress the pest infestations.
Diseases
Gasteria baylissiana is prone to two diseases:
1. Leaf spot disease which presents as brown, soft leaf spots and is promoted by poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize spread to the other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid wetting the leaves during watering or water from the bottom instead.
- Ensure good air circulation for the plant to discourage the disease.
2. Basal stem-rot disease which is characterized by a rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves. The disease is prevalent in overwet conditions especially in the cold season.
How to fix it
- Remove and discard the infected parts to prevent spread to the rest of the plant.
- Cut down on watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist; avoid overwatering.
- Do not wet the center of the rosette of leaves during watering to discourage the disease.
- Use a fungicidal solution ocassionally to water the plant to prevent the disease.
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