Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Gasteria Baylissiana is a low-maintenance succulent that thrives in containers. Gasterias, as they are commonly called, are available in many color varieties and their leaves can be green or purple. Gasteria baylissiana has small, pointed leaves that grow into dense clusters of sharp spines on the edges of the leaf margins.
Gasteria’s have thickened roots for storing water and to help them survive periods of drought. These plants require minimal care making them perfect for any home!
Gasterias are succulents that do not need much attention and thrive in containers. They grow well in warm weather with low light levels. The Gasteria Baylissiana has leaves that are greenish-yellow fading to brown, with a black spot on the end of each leaf. This plant grows slowly but can eventually become quite large if left unchecked!
Origin and description
Gasteria baylissiana is a species of succulent plant that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Aizoaceae. It’s native to South Africa and was named after Dr Bayliss who discovered it in 1916 near Tarkastad, Eastern Cape Province.
Gasteria baylissiana is a small succulent that usually grows to about 12 inches tall and wide. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade as well. The leaves are almost spherical with sharp thorns on their tips and edges. They can be greyish-green or dark brown depending on the subspecies.
As an indoor plant, Gasteria baylissiana is popular due to its low maintenance and because it can grow well in a container. It’s also perfect for hanging baskets or as a patio table centerpiece.
Gasteria baylissiana propagation
This plant can be propagated by leaf cuttings or seeds. The propagation of Gasteria baylissiana through seed sowing is the most difficult method, especially for beginners. For successful germination, it may take some time until new plants are visible above the ground surface. It takes about two to four weeks for seeds to germinate.
Seedlings can be planted in a pot filled with earth and sand or perlite mixture when they have grown their third leaf pair.
Gasteria baylissiana care
As a succulent, Gasteria baylissiana is drought-resistant and requires very little water. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of airflow to prevent root rot or fungus problems. If it’s kept moist for long periods of time, the leaves tend to become soft and rotted which can lead to its death.
Gasteria Baylissiana plants grow best outdoors during the warmer months but can be grown indoors year-round without any issues. These plants have small leaves which form a rosette at the end of long stems, giving them their distinctive look.
Gasteria Baylissiana is also a beautiful, easy to care for succulent plant that will thrive with just minimal attention. The plants are popular in the interior design industry because of their unique shape and ability to survive in low-light conditions.
Light requirements
Gasteria baylissiana thrives in bright light conditions. This succulent does not require direct sunlight but instead benefits from a few hours of filtered light or gentle shade each day.
Soil/potting mix
Gasteria baylissiana thrives in a moist, but a well-draining potting mix. However, this succulent is very adaptable to different soil types and has been known to grow on rocky cliffsides where the only available growing medium was sand or gravel!
There are many suitable potting mixes that can be used for Gasteria baylissiana. A general-purpose cactus soil mix will work well and is the standard recommendation for container growing of this species.
Watering requirements
Gasteria baylissiana is not particularly drought tolerant. Despite the fact that succulents store water in their leaves, this species should be watered thoroughly when dry and then kept slightly moist at all other times. If potted properly, it will require watering every two weeks or so during periods of hot summer weather. However, many growers report that this species will tolerate extended periods of dryness.
During the winter months, Gasteria baylissiana should be watered much less frequently until new growth becomes active in early spring. At other times throughout the year, water as often as needed to keep soil evenly moist without allowing it to become soggy or flooded. Steady, abundant watering will promote the healthiest growth.
Watering frequency for Gasteria baylissiana can be reduced to once or twice monthly during winter months when plants are resting and new growth is not occurring. However, even in wintertime, this species should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilizer
Gasteria baylissiana does not require regular fertilization. However, succulents grown in rich soil will produce more robust plants with larger leaves and fewer unsightly “dead spots.”
Occasionally, supplementing plant food during the growing season is recommended for healthy Gasteria baylissiana.
It requires less fertilizer than other succulents. The only thing by which it can be killed is over-watering, so do not water your plant too much!
Pruning
Gasteria Baylissiana does not require much pruning. You can cut off the dead leaves and flowers to encourage new shoots to grow from the base of your plant.
The plant is not very sensitive to pruning, but it should be done in spring and early summer. Prune small shoots by cutting them off with sharp scissors or knives. Be careful while doing so because the sap of this plant can cause irritation on your skin!
When to repot
When you notice the plant is too crowded by its own, it’s time to repot your plant. Repotting should be done once every two years or when the pot becomes too small for the roots of this succulent. Use the same soil that was used earlier.
Just make sure your plant is not exposed to frost, direct sunlight, or cold drafts when it’s transported from old pot to new one! Repotting should be done in spring and early summer. Use a sharp knife for this purpose because Gasterias have very thick roots which are difficult to remove!
Dormancy
When the plant is dormant, you should stop watering it completely. If some leaves fall off because of dryness, do not worry, they will grow back in spring.
When you notice the plant is not growing properly and it has signs of rot at its base, then do not repot your Gasteria Baylissiana until next year! When this succulent does not get exposed to any light or moisture for a long time, new shoots often appear from below the soil.
When the plant is dormant, you may notice some of its leaves will turn yellow and fall off because of lack of water or cold drafts; do not worry! These lost leaves will grow back in spring when they get exposed to proper light and moisture again. Just make sure your Gasteria Baylissiana does not feel the frost in this period.
Flowers & Fragrance
Gasteria Baylissiana produces small, star-shaped white flowers with yellowish tips in early summer.
The plant is not very fragrant but it emits an unpleasant smell when touched or damaged by hungry insects such as snails and slugs! Use organic pesticides to protect your plant from these pests if necessary. Just make sure you do not use any inorganic pesticides and fertilizers on this succulent.
You may notice some insects such as aphids or snails will attack your Gasteria Baylissiana because it is growing outdoors; make sure to protect it from these pests with organic pesticide!
Growth rate
Gasteria Baylissiana is slow growing plant and it can reach approximately 20 inches in diameter.
This succulent has a very low growth rate, so do not expect to see any changes within months! It may take years for your plant to fully recover from the transplanting or repotting process. Just make sure your plant is not exposed to frost, direct sunlight, or cold drafts when it’s transported from old pot to new one!
Toxicity & Uses
The Gasteria Baylissiana plant is toxic. The sap of the plant can cause dermatitis and severe irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, or stomach – if ingested – in humans and animals. It also contains oxalic acid which has been found harmful for sheep; therefore caution must be taken when handling it around livestock.
Gasteria Baylissiana also has some medicinal uses. The leaves are used by the Zulu people to treat stomach aches and diarrhea while boiling its roots can be useful for treating toothaches or cramps in legs/feet muscles. The plant is also believed to cure various skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.
USDA Hardiness Zones
The Gasteria Baylissiana is a perennial, evergreen herb that originated from South Africa. It grows in USDA Hardiness Zones of 11-12 and can be planted either inside the house or out on the patio during summertime.
Pests and diseases
Gasteria Baylissiana is susceptible to a few plant diseases or pests. However, this plant can be attacked by mites which causes discoloration of leaves and eventual death of tissues. The only way to prevent the Gasteria mite infestation is by keeping humidity levels low and avoiding watering with overhead sprinklers.
Conclusion
Gasteria Baylissiana is a beautiful and easy to care for plant which can be kept indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate. It has few pests and diseases that require little attention and maintenance from home gardeners.
