How to Grow and Care for Gasteria pillansii Indoors
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Gasteria pillansii prefers bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Gasteria pillansii is among the popular Gasteria varieties with green, strap-shaped leaves, arranged in two rows forming a fan-like shape, are rough with tiny tubercles.
Gasteria pillansii is a small succulent plant whose flowers are about 25–45 mm long and have a slightly swollen base for up to one-third of the length which is one ot its distinct features.
Botanical name: Gasteria pillansii
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae
Origin
Gasteria pillansii is native to the arid winter-rainfall regions in the far west of South Africa and Namibia where it is found growing under rocks or bushes that provide it with shelter from the sun.
Is Gasteria pillansii toxic?
Gasteria pillansii 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, they are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Gasteria pillansii Care Indoors
Gasteria pillansii blossoms in bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-290C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Gasteria pillansii requires pruning to keep it neat as well as minimize pests and diseases. Potting is done during the growing season but only when the plant has become root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Gasteria pillansii thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.
Significantly lessen 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.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result in rotting and loss of the plant.
Be careful not to wet the center of the rosette as it can lead to rotting or water from the bottom instead. Use water that is at room temperature water to avoid plant shock as it can lead to reduced growth.
Light Requirements
Gasteria pillansii grows best under bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine. Avoid exposing it to hot midday sunlight before acclimating it, as it can get sun scorched.
Gasteria pillansii can also grow under grow lights if the natural light is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
To ensure uniform growth, regularly rotate the pot to make sure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 18-290C are ideal for Gasteria pillansii. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for the growth of this succulent plant.
Gasteria pillansii has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Gasteria pillansii monthly during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer as it is does not need frequent feeding. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time and feeding can cause fertilizer burn and plant death.
Potting Soil
The best potting soil for Gasteria pillansii 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 mixes are ideal for these plants.
Repotting
Repot Gasteria pillansii 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. Check out these succulents pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Gasteria pillansii involves removal of dead or diseased leaves to keep the plant neat and also reduce pests and diseases 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 diseases.
Propagation
Gasteria pillansii can be propagated from offsets (pups) which form at the base of the plant.
How to Propagate Gasteria pillansii from offsets (pups)
Select an offset which has several leaves and carefully seperate the offset from the mother Gasteria pillansii 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 the soil from getting soggy.
Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot.
Allow the new Gasteria pillansii to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
Gasteria pillansii Problems
Gasteria pillansii problems include wilting and drooping leaves, leaf spots, rotting, discoloration, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common Pests in Gasteria pillansii are mealy bugs and scales. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions on the label.
Wilting and drooping leaves
Wilted and droopy leaves in Gasteria pillansii are due to 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. Read more on how to water indoor plants the correct way.
Rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves
Rot at the base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves in Gasteria pillansii are an indication of basal stem rot disease due to 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. Use a fungicidal solution ocassionally to water the plant to prevent the disease.
Brown soft spots
Brown soft spots in Gasteria pillansii is an indication of leaf spot disease which is enhanced by poor air circulation. Ensure that there is proper air circulation for the plant.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves in Gasteria pillansii 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.
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