Gasteria nitida, commonly known as the Bathurst gasteria, is an evergreen succulent plant native to South Africa. Its name comes from its resemblance to the flowers of the genus Gasteria, and it is most closely related to Gasteria batesiana and Gasteria excelsa.
The Bathurst Gasteria prefers to grow in shade with afternoon sunlight and cool night temperatures. Plants grown outside should be planted in well-drained soil in full sun, although some afternoon shade is tolerable if your area experiences high afternoon temperatures during the summer months.
In colder climates, this plant can be grown indoors year-round, where it will enjoy bright light but not direct sunlight at any time of the day or year.
Origin and distribution
The Bathurst gasteria is a South African plant that gets its name from the Greek word for stomach, gaster. It’s a member of the Asphodelaceae family, which includes aloes and Yuccas.
In 1848, the gasteria nitida (also known as the bathurst gasteria) was discovered by botanist William Henry Harvey in the Bathurst area of Cape Town, South Africa. He gave it the name Gasteria nitida to honor his friend John Bathurst Deane who had been killed in a fall from his horse that year.
The plant is found in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, where it grows in rocky, mountainous areas. The climate is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can tolerate drought conditions and grow well in sun or shade. They are also resistant to frost but cannot withstand high winds or excessive heat.
Gasteria nitida propagation
Gasteria nitida can be propagated by offsets, leaf cuttings, or seeds. When propagating by offsets, carefully remove the offset from the mother plant with a sharp knife. Allow the offset to callous for a few days before potting it in well-draining succulent soil. If you’re propagating by leaf cuttings, snip a healthy leaf off close to the base of the plant.
Remove any large, thick veins and allow the leaves to dry out until they are crisp. They should be placed on their side with a barely moistened paper towel under them and covered with plastic wrap.
Place them in bright indirect light and wait patiently. It will take between two weeks and three months for roots to develop. Once new growth appears at the leaf tip, remove the plastic wrap and place the potted plant in its permanent location!
Gasteria nitida care information
Gasteria nitida is a beautiful, low-growing succulent that is native to South Africa. It is a member of the genus Gasteria, which contains about 80 different species. These plants are easy to care for and make great houseplants or additions to any succulent collection.
Light requirement
This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low-light conditions. If the light is too low, the leaves will become etiolated and stretched out. If the light is too high, the leaves will develop brown spots. The ideal location for this plant is a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day.
Soil/potting mix
The Bathurst Gasteria is a tough little plant that can grow in just about any soil type, as long as it is well-draining. A potting mix of two parts sand to one part loam or peat moss will provide the perfect drainage for this plant. Be sure to add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot to help with drainage. Keep the soil moist but not saturated and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Watering
Gasteria nitida is a succulent that is native to South Africa. It is a relatively easy plant to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. However, it is important to note that this plant does not like to be waterlogged.
If the leaves start to yellow or wilt, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. It is important to allow the soil to dry out before adding more water so as not to drown your plant.
Gasteria nitida plants are not as thirsty as other succulents so they only need watering about once a week during the dry months of summer and not at all during the rainy season.
Fertilizer
If you want your Gasteria nitida to grow and thrive, you need to fertilize it regularly. The best time to fertilize is in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. However, you can also fertilize in the fall to help the plant prepare for winter.
Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus, such as 20-20-20. Apply according to package instructions. Once every month, fertilize with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half in warm water according to package instructions.
Temperature
The Bathurst gasteria is a succulent that originates from South Africa. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it prefers cooler temperatures and will thrive in an environment with average temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves of the plant will start to turn red, indicating that it is time to provide some shade.
Humidity
The Bathurst gasteria is a beautiful, easy-to-grow succulent that’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space. One of the best things about this plant is its tolerance for lower humidity levels, making it an ideal choice for those who don’t have a lot of experience growing succulents.
While the plant can tolerate some degree of drought, it’s important to make sure that the potting mix is well-draining to avoid root rot.
The ideal humidity range is between 50% and 60%. Humidity should be increased in the winter months by placing the plant near a humidifier or grouping it with other plants in order to increase evaporative effects from transpiration.
Pruning
The best time to prune your gasteria is in the fall after the plant has flowered. You can remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts at a 45-degree angle. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems. When you’re finished pruning, apply a balanced fertilizer to the plant.
When to repot
Spring is the best time to repot your gasteria nitida. The plant will be actively growing at this time, so it will be able to adapt well to its new environment. It’s important to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as gasterias prefer to be pot-bound. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix, and water regularly after repotting.
Place in a sunny spot and fertilize monthly with an organic fertilizer like worm castings or fish emulsion. The leaves of gasteria nitida will droop if they are not getting enough light or if they need more water.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Many succulents, including gasterias, enter a period of dormancy during the winter months. This is a time when the plant rests and conserves its energy. The leaves may become pale or even turn brown as the plant goes into this resting phase.
Don’t worry if your Gasteria nitida looks a bit sad during the winter months; it will likely perk up once spring arrives. At the end of this rest period, most plants burst back to life with new growth. If you find that your plant has dried out considerably, don’t fret! It should recover quickly with a little TLC.
Gasteria nitida flower & fragrance
The flowers of the Gasteria nitida are small and tubular, borne on erect spikes. They are usually pink, but can also be white or pale yellow. The flowers are fragrant, especially at night.
Growth rate
The growth rate of the Gasteria nitida is quite slow, taking around five to seven years to reach its full adult size. However, once it reaches maturity, this plant is very easy to care for and will require very little maintenance.
When watering, be sure to use only distilled or rain water as the minerals in tap water can build up and damage the leaves. The ideal location for this plant is in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight.
Toxicity
Gasteria nitida succulents are non-toxic to both humans and pets.
USDA hardiness zones
Gasteria nitida thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It is most commonly found on the coast of South Africa and is characterized by a dark green color. It is a low-growing plant but has an upright and bushy habit that can make it difficult to overwater it.
Pests and diseases
Gasteria nitida is susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and the plant to become stunted. To control pests, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
The Bathurst gasteria is also susceptible to root rot, so make sure the plant has good drainage and that you don’t overwater it. If it gets too cold in your home, your plant may get frostbite and die. Keep your Gasteria nitida at room temperature between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal health.
