How to Grow, Care and Propagate Gasteria disticha
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Gasteria disticha is one of the well-liked Gasteria varieties whose strap-shaped leaves are arranged in two rows forming a fan-like shape. The leaves are green and have white spots arranged in irregular transverse bands.
The Gasteria disticha is a dwarf succulent plant and often has leaves which undulate slightly, have wavy margins and a rough, mat surface.
The flowers are tiny about 12–20 mm and have flower bases that are inflated or swollen for roughly two-thirds of the flower length.
Botanical name: Gasteria disticha
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae
Origin
Gasteria disticha is native to the Breede River Valley in the Western Cape, South Africa where it is found growing under the rocks or bushes that provide it with some shelter from the sun.
Is Gasteria disticha toxic?
No. Gasteria disticha 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 Gasteria disticha to your collection, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to care for Gasteria disticha indoors
To care for Gasteria disticha indoors, give it bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, warmth of 18-290C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer.
Gasteria disticha potting is done in the beginning of the growing season, only when root-bound. Pruning is needed to keep the plant neat as well as minimize pests and diseases. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water your Gasteria disticha 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 to prevent rotting and yellowing.
Significantly decrease 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 avoid wilting and drooping.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock as it can cause reduced growth and eventual death of the plant. Only use chlorine-free water to avoid staining and browning of leaf edges.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to rotting and death of the plant.
Take care not to wet the center of the rosette as it can lead to rotting of the plant or water from the bottom instead.
Light Requirements
Gasteria disticha grows best under bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine. Keep it away from hot midday sunlight to prevent scorching.
Where natural lighting is not adequate, you may use full spectrum grow lights to supplement it as too little will lead to reduced growth and yellowing.
To ensure even growth, give the pot a quarter turn monhtly, to make sure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Should you wish to grow your Gasteria disticha outside, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching.
Temperature & Humidity
Gasteria disticha prospers in a warmth of 18-290C. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is good for the growth of this succulent plant. Keep the plant away from sources of drafts to prevent sudden temperature changes which can result in stunted growth and loss of the plant
Gasteria disticha has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Maintain a proper air flow to discourage fungal diseases.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Gasteria disticha should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting sogginess. 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 Gasteria disticha with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in spring and summer as they are slow growing and therefore do not need frequent feeding.
Withhold feeding in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time, thus, the plant does not require a lot of feeding.
Repotting
Repot Gasteria disticha at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when the plant becomes root-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. Check out these succulents pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Gasteria disticha involves removal of dead or diseased leaves to keep the plant neat and also discourage pests and diseases. 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 disticha Propagation
Gasteria disticha is propagated from offsets (pups) which form at the base of the plant. It is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when the plant is actively growing for faster establishment.
Propagating Gasteria disticha from offsets (pups)
- Select an offset which has several leaves and carefully seperate it from the mother 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 loose, 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, well-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 plant to be well established afterwhich you can begin routine care.
Gasteria disticha Problems and Fixes
Gasteria disticha problems are wilting & drooping leaves, discoloration, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Wilted & drooping leaves
Wilted and drooping leaves on Gasteria disticha are caused by temperature stress, underwatering or soggy soil.
How to fix it
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, windy doors, hot air vents, stoves among others to avoid temperature flactuations.
Underwatering: Do not allow the soil to dry our completely; water when top 2-3 inches of soil dry out.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Discoloration
Discoloration of leaves on Gasteria disticha is caused by either too little light or too much light.
How to fix it
Too little light: Position the plant in bright light with 6-8 hours of sunlight or use a grow light if the natural light is not enough.
Too much light: Move the plant to a more shaded place or use a sheer curtain to filter out the light.
Pests
Common Pests on Gasteria disticha are scales and mealybugs which are prevalent in extremely dry 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 indicated by the manufacturers.
- Regularly check underneath and between the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Keep the plant well pruned and elevate humidity to depress the pest infestations.
Diseases
Gasteria disticha is prone to the following two diseases:
1. Leaf spot disease which presents as brown, soft leaf spots. It is promoted by poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Avoid wetting the leaves during watering; you may water from the bottom.
- Confirm that there is good air circulation for the plant.
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.
- Reduce 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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