Gasteria rawlinsonii Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Propagation, Problems

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Gasteria rawlinsonii is one of the unusual Gasteria varieties in that it grows long leafy stems which often hang downwards and the leaves are dark-green and edged with tiny black teeth, unlike in other Gasteria plants.

The inflorescence on Gasteria rawlinsonii has pink flowers which appear throughout the year and and held high above the foliage.

Gasteria rawlinsonii was named after Rawlins Jameson Henry Spencer Churchill, a botanical collector, by John Gilbert Baker in 1874.

Botanical name: Gasteria rawlinsonii
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sufamily: Asphodeloideae

Origin

Gasteria rawlinsonii is native to Eastern Cape, South Africa where it is found growing hanging on cliff faces in shady ravines in well-drained sandstone soils.

Is Gasteria rawlinsonii toxic?

No. Gasteria rawlinsonii 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 rawlinsonii to your collection, you may acquire them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to care for Gasteria rawlinsonii indoors

To care for Gasteria rawlinsonii 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 potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer.

Gasteria rawlinsonii requires pruning to keep it neat and reduce pests and diseases. Repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.

Watering

Water Gasteria rawlinsonii liberally in spring and summer until water drips from the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and loss 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 drooping.

Use room temperature water to avoid shocking this tropical plant as it can lead to stunted growth and death of the plant. Ensure that the water is chlorine-free to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil drains easily to prevent waterlogging which can lead to rotting and death of the plant. Avoiding wetting the center of the rosette as it can lead to rotting; watering from the bottom is a safer option.

Light Requirements

Gasteria rawlinsonii grows best under bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine. Avoid exposing it to too hot sunlight before acclimating it, as it can get sun burned.

If the light is too low, the growth will be slowed and may lead to death of the plant. Therefore, if the natural light is not sufficient, you may instal full spectrum grow lights to complement it.

Monthly, give the pot a 90⁰ turn so that the plant can receive light on all sides for even growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Gasteria rawlinsonii prefers a warmth of 18-29⁰C. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is perfect for the growth of this succulent. Keep it away from drafts to prevent sudden temperature changes which can lead to reduced growth and death of the plant

Gasteria rawlinsonii has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Maintain a good air circulation to discourage fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Gasteria rawlinsonii with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in spring and summer as they are slow growing and therefore do not need frequent feeding. Do not feed in fall and winter to prevent fertilizer burn since growth is minimal at this time.

Potting Medium

The best soil for Gasteria rawlinsonii should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid 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.

Repotting

Repot Gasteria rawlinsonii at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when the plant is 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 as it can lead to root-rot disease. Take a look at these succulents pots available on Amazon.

Pruning

Pruning Gasteria rawlinsonii involves removal of dead or diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and 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 rawlinsonii Propagation

Gasteria rawlinsonii 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 rawlinsonii from offsets (pups)

1. 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.


2. Allow the offsets to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before potting to prevent rotting.


3. Plant the offset in loose, free-draining soil and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.


4. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


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


6. Allow the new plant to be well established afterwhich you can begin routine care.

Gasteria rawlinsonii Problems & Remedies

Gasteria rawlinsonii problems are wilting and drooping leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Wilted & drooping leaves

Wilted and drooping leaves on Gasteria rawlinsonii 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 sudden temperature changes.

Underwatering: Do not water on a schedule; water when top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and free-draining soil.

Pests

Common pests of Gasteria rawlinsonii are scale insects and mealybugs which are prevalent in too dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers.


3. Regularly check underneath and between the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.


4. Maintain the plant well pruned and elevate humidity to depress the pest infestations.

Diseases

Gasteria rawlinsonii is prone to the following two diseases:

1. Leaf spot disease which presents as brown, soft leaf spots. The disease is promoted by poor air circulation.

How to fix it

1. Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize spread to the rest of the plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.


3. Avoid wetting the leaves during watering; water from the bottom instead.


4. Make sure that there is good air flow for the plant.

2. Basal stem-rot disease which is characterized by a rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves. It is prevalent in overwet conditions especially in the cold season.

How to fix it

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


2. Cut down on watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist; avoid overwatering.


3. Do not wet the center of the rosette of leaves during watering to discourage the disease.


4. Ocassionally use a fungicidal solution to water the plant to prevent the disease.

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