Gasteria carinata

Common Names

Bredasdorp Gasteria, Keeled Ox-Tongue

Summary

Native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa, the Bredasdorp gasteria is a slow-growing succulent that forms compact rosettes and colonies. Distinctive carinate leaves carry a keel-like ridge; blades are lance-shaped or tongue-shaped, thick and fleshy, with greens ranging from dark to light that store water. In spring to early summer, downward-hanging curved flowers appear in pink, red, or coral.

For cultivation, provide bright indirect light or partial shade with protection from intense direct sun to prevent leaf burn; plant in well-draining soil, such as sandy or cactus mix, with good drainage. Water sparingly, allowing the substrate to dry between waterings, and reduce watering in winter; tolerate low to normal humidity and protect from frost, with frost tolerance to about -1°C for some forms; suitable for indoor spaces such as windowsills and outdoor rockeries, including dry fynbos or Mediterranean-style gardens; propagate by offsets or leaf cuttings (spring/summer) or by seed, and fertilize sparingly; common uses include rockeries, borders, hanging pots for patios and terraces, and indoor display near a window.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-7 inches

Spread

0.5-2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining soil; sandy or cactus/succulent mix (sand + perlite + small amount of organic matter).

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil, sandy or cactus/succulent mix.

Soil pH

6.0-6.5

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Green, dull green, deep green, grey-green, bluish/greyish tint, dark green with light spots

Fall Foliage Color

Reddish

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and birds