How to Grow and Care for Gasteria brachyphylla Indoors

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Botanical name: Gasteria brachyphylla
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae

Description

Gasteria brachyphylla is a small succulent plant whose strap-shaped leaves, arranged in two rows forming a fan-like shape are very shiny and smooth. The leaves are green and have white spots arranged in irregular transverse bands.

The name "Brachyphylla" means "wide and short leaves" which is in reference its wide and short leaves. The plant is a profuse bloomer and the flowers are pink.

Origin

Gasteria brachyphylla is native to the Little Karoo of Western Cape, South Africa where is is found growing under shrubs in the Succulent Karoo vegetation.

Toxicity

Gasteria brachyphylla are non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow in the home.

Where to Buy

If you would like to add these plants to your collection, Buy Gasteria brachyphylla online from Etsy.

Gasteria brachyphylla Care Indoors

Gasteria brachyphylla flourishes in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Gasteria brachyphylla has no need for high humidity. Ir requires pruning to keep it neat as well as discourage pests and diseases.

Repotting is done during the growing season when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Gasteria brachyphylla grows best under bright light with some direct sunshine.

Although the plant can grow under direct sunlight, avoid exposing it to too hot sunlight before acclimating it to prevent scorching.

For even growth, regularly rotate the plant to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides.

Gasteria brachyphylla can also grow under a grow light where the natural light is not adequate.

Watering

Water Gasteria brachyphylla thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.

Significantly cut down on watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to keep the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Make sure 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 and water from the bottom instead.

Use water that is at room temperature to water to avoid plant shock which can cause reduced growth.

Temperature and Himidity

Average warmth temperatures from 18-29⁰C) are ideal for Gasteria brachyphylla. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for the growth of this succulent.

Gasteria brachyphylla has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is ideal for this plant.

Fertilizer

Feed Gasteria brachyphylla monthly during the growing period with a succulents 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 and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.

Potting Soil

The best soil for Gasteria brachyphylla should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.

Cactus and Succulents soil is ideal for these plants. Buy quality Cactus and Succulents Soil online from Etsy.

Repotting

Repot Gasteria brachyphylla at the beginning of the growing season only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as it has 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 as it can lead to root-rot disease.

Pruning

Pruning Gasteria brachyphylla involves removal of dead or diseased leaves to keep it neat and reduce pests and diseases. 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 minimise fungal and bacterial infections.

Propagation

Gasteria brachyphylla can be propagated from offsets (pups) which form at the base of the plant.

How to Propagate Gasteria brachyphylla from offsets (pups)

Select an offset which has several leaves and carefully seperate the offset from the mother Gasteria brachyphylla 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 that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Position the set up in a warm, brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight.

Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot.

Allow the new Gasteria brachyphylla to be well established after which you can begin routine care.

Gasteria brachyphylla Problems

Gasteria brachyphylla problems include drooping, wilting, leaf spots, rotting, discoloration, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Pests

Common Pests in Gasteria brachyphylla are Scales and Mealy Bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat with Neem oil or Insecticidal soap.

Brown soft spots

Leaf spot disease is the cause of brown soft spots in Gasteria brachyphylla. The disease is promoted by stuffy, damp conditions.

Ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant and that the soil is properly drained to prevent overwet conditions.

Do not wet the center of the rossete of leaves or water from the bottom instead. Read more on how to treat leaf spot in houseplants.

Wilted and drooping leaves

Wilted and drooping leaves in Gasteria brachyphylla are caused by underwatering. Immediately water the plant thoroughly and it should recover.

Do not allow the soil to dry our completely, maintain it moderately moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season.

Rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves

Rotting base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves in Gasteria brachyphylla is due to basal stem rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.

Remove and discard the infected parts to prevent spread to the rest of the plant.

Avoid overwatering during the cold season and reduce watering significantly to maintain the soil slightly moist.

Ocassionally, use a fungicidal solution to water the Gasteria brachyphylla to prevent infestation by the disease.

Wilted and discolored leaves

Wilted and discolored leaves in Gasteria brachyphylla are caused by overwatering during the cold season. Water the plant sparingly during the cold season and always allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings.