How to grow and care for Gasteria baylissiana Indoors
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Botanical name: Gasteria baylissiana
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae
Gasteria baylissiana Description
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.
Gasteria baylissiana 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.
Gasteria baylissiana Origin
Gasteria baylissiana is native to a deep gorge within the Albany Thicket in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Gasteria Plants Varieties
Many hybrids have been developed some of which feature thick, flat leaves with striped patterns.
Some common varieties include;
Buy beautiful and healthy Gasteria Plants from Etsy.
Photo Credit: World of Succulents
Gasteria baylissiana Care Indoors
Gasteria baylissiana Light Requirements
Gasteria baylissiana grows 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.
How to Water Gasteria baylissiana
Water Gasteria baylissiana thoroughly during the growing season, when the soil begins to dry out.
Water the Gasteria baylissiana very infrequently during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease.
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.
Use water that is at room temperature to water Gasteria baylissiana to avoid plant shock. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Temperature for Gasteria baylissiana
Average warmth temperatures from 18-290C) are ideal for Gasteria baylissiana. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for the growth of this succulent.
Humidity for Gasteria baylissiana
Gasteria baylissiana has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is ideal for this succulent.
Fertilizer (Feeding) for Gasteria baylissiana
Feed 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 during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
How to Repot Gasteria baylissiana
Repot 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 disease.
The best soil for 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.
How to Prune Gasteria baylissiana
Pruning 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 Propagation
Gasteria baylissiana can be propagated from offsets (pups) which form at the base of the plant.
How to Propagate Gasteria baylissiana from offsets (pups)
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 (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 the soil from getting soggy.
Water the Gasteria baylissiana sparingly, only when the soil is dry to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Gasteria baylissiana Problems Indoors
Gasteria baylissiana leaves wilted and drooping
Underwatering is the cause of wilted and droopy leaves in Gasteria baylissiana
Immediately water the Gasteria baylissiana thoroughly and it should perk up. Never allow the soil to dry our completely, maintain it moderately moist.
Gasteria baylissiana brown soft spots
Leaf spot disease is the cause of brown soft spots in Gasteria baylissiana.
The occurence of the disease is enhanced by poor air circulation. Ensure that there is proper air circulation for your Gasteria baylissiana.
Gasteria baylissiana wilted and discolored leaves
Overwatering during the cold season is the cause of wilted and discolored leaves in Gasteria baylissiana.
Water your Gasteria baylissiana sparingly during the cold season and always allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings.
Gasteria baylissiana rot at the base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves
Basal stem rot disease due to overwet conditions is the cause of base rot followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves in 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.
Gasteria baylissiana pests
Common Pests in Gasteria baylissiana are Scales and Mealy Bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Is Gasteria baylissiana toxic?
Gasteria baylissiana are non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow in the home.
