Gasteria carinata var. carinata
Gasteria carinata var. carinata
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Gasteria carinata var. carinata, also called the Bredasdorp gasteria or ox tongue plant, is a drought-tolerant succulent native to South Africa's Western Cape region. This warty gasteria belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and naturally grows in rocky outcrops where it adapts to periods of drought and low light.
The plant forms distinctive rosettes of thick, triangular leaves covered in prominent warty tubercles across their surfaces. Leaves are dark green with white spots and raised bumps, giving it a textured appearance unlike other succulents. Each leaf tapers to a point, creating the classic "ox tongue" shape.
It produces tall flower spikes with tubular blooms in coral-pink to orange-red colors during late winter to early spring. The flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Gasteria Carinata also purifies indoor air by filtering formaldehyde and other toxins, and it is safe around cats and dogs.
This succulent is suitable for offices, desks, and terrariums, including low-light areas where other plants struggle. It grows well under office LEDs and tolerates dry heated air. Move it outside for summer months when protected from rain. You can leave it up to ten days without water. Use a heavy pot to support its deep roots and provide stability.
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Gasteria carinata var. carinata grows well in medium to bright indirect light and tolerates low-light conditions.
Water it every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Gasteria Carinata grows well in well-draining cactus soil mixed with perlite and coarse sand.
It prefers temperatures between 65–80°F and is not frost tolerant.
Gasteria Carinata is a slow-growing rosette succulent needing diluted succulent fertilizer only twice yearly.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9–11 and cannot tolerate frost below 32°F. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, southern California, southern Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, Louisiana, southern Georgia, coastal South Carolina, southern Nevada, and parts of southern Alabama and Mississippi. Provide proper drainage and protection from intense afternoon sun in these warm-climate states.
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Q: Is Gasteria carinata var. carinata safe for pets?
A: It is completely non-toxic and safe around cats and dogs.
Q: Which window direction works best for light?
A: Avoid south-facing windows where Gasteria Carinata can scorch. East or west-facing windows with bright indirect light work well, or place it a few feet from a north-facing window.
Q: How often should I water Gasteria Carinata?
A: Check soil moisture before watering. If it feels moist, wait longer. Overwatering causes root rot faster than underwatering, so let it dry between waterings.
Q: How fast does it grow?
A: Gasteria Carinata grows slowly and gradually forms offsets around the mother plant over time.
Q: Can Gasteria Carinata be propagated?
A: Carefully separate offsets from the mother plant and allow cut surfaces to callus for several days before planting.
Q: Will it survive a summer vacation?
A: It can go 10 days without water. If you are away longer, water it before you leave.