Asphodelaceae
Bredasdorp Gasteria (Gasteria carinata)
Gasteria carinata
Bredasdorp gasteria is a slow-growing, low-maintenance succulent. Give it bright indirect light, a fast-draining sandy or cactus mix, and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. It tolerates neglect well but is highly sensitive to overwatering, which quickly leads to root or crown rot.
Every 14 days
Partial shade
5° - 35°C
20% - 40%
Categories
What is Bredasdorp Gasteria?
Bredasdorp Gasteria (Gasteria carinata) is a easy-care plant from the Asphodelaceae family. Gasteria carinata, commonly known as the Bredasdorp gasteria, is a stemless rosette-forming succulent native to the Western Cape region of South Africa. Its thick, hard, tongue-shaped leaves are dark green and often marked with pale warty tubercles, giving rise to common names like ox tongue and law...
Bredasdorp Gasteria grows up to 20cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 14 days, 5°C – 35°C, 20–40% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Bredasdorp Gasteria tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Bredasdorp Gasteria?
TLDR: Bredasdorp Gasteria needs Partial shade, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 5-35°C with 20-40% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Bredasdorp Gasteria?
Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every two weeks in spring and summer and far less in autumn and winter. Never let the rosette sit in wet soil.
How Much Light Does Bredasdorp Gasteria Need?
Provide bright, indirect light or a few hours of gentle morning or evening sun. Avoid deep shade, which causes heart rot, and avoid intense midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Bredasdorp Gasteria?
Use a well-draining sandy or cactus/succulent mix. Adding extra perlite or coarse sand improves drainage and prevents root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Bredasdorp Gasteria?
A shallow, unglazed terracotta pot with ample drainage holes helps excess moisture evaporate quickly.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Bredasdorp Gasteria and Where Does It Come From?
Gasteria carinata, commonly known as the Bredasdorp gasteria, is a stemless rosette-forming succulent native to the Western Cape region of South Africa. Its thick, hard, tongue-shaped leaves are dark green and often marked with pale warty tubercles, giving rise to common names like ox tongue and lawyer's tongue. In spring and summer it sends up slender flower spikes bearing tubular, stomach-shaped pink-and-orange blooms that attract sunbirds.
How to Propagate Bredasdorp Gasteria?
Offset division
Use a clean, sharp knife and avoid watering immediately after planting to prevent rot.
- 1 Wait until offsets (pups) are at least one-third the size of the parent rosette
- 2 Gently remove the offset from the base of the mother plant, keeping any roots intact
- 3 Let the cut surface callus over for 1-2 days in a dry, shaded spot
- 4 Plant in well-draining succulent mix and water lightly after a week
Materials needed:
Leaf cutting
Keep the cutting out of direct sun and avoid overwatering while it roots.
- 1 Select a healthy, mature leaf and gently twist it off at the base
- 2 Let the leaf callus over for 2-3 days in a dry, shaded spot
- 3 Lay the leaf flat on top of well-draining succulent mix
- 4 Mist lightly every few days until roots and a new rosette form
Materials needed:
How Big Does Bredasdorp Gasteria Grow?
TLDR: Bredasdorp Gasteria can reach up to 20cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
20cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Bredasdorp Gasteria?
TLDR: Bredasdorp Gasteria is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
In South African succulent lore, Gasteria's tough, resilient tongue-shaped leaves symbolize endurance and protection through harsh, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
The genus name Gasteria comes from the Latin word for "stomach," referring to the pouch-shaped base of its flowers.
Bredasdorp gasteria is named after the town of Bredasdorp in the Western Cape of South Africa, near its natural habitat.
Its tough, water-storing leaves let it survive months of drought without any irrigation.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Gasteria carinata?
Is Gasteria carinata toxic to pets?
How much light does Gasteria carinata need?
How do I propagate Gasteria carinata?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
