Gasteria carinata - Indoor Plants

Information

The upper side of the dark green leaves have a shallow channel towards the base but then flattens out near the narrow tip and both surfaces are slightly bumpy with white spots somewhat arranged in horizontal bands and with leaf margins that are rough to the touch. In mid to late winter appear the 2 foot long slender inflorescences bearing flowers that are salmon pink flowers at their swollen (gasteriform) base and white with green stripes toward the tips.

This species is endemic to the eastern part of the Western Cape from close to the ocean at sea level up to 1,000 feet in elevation where it is found growing in rocky hills of the dry fynbos vegetation, often shaded by shrubs. Gasteria carinatais quite variable in leaf shape, color and texture with this one best matching Gasteria carinata var. carinata.

The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'gaster' meaning "stomach", in reference to the swollen shape of the base of the flower and the specific epithet is derived from Latin word meaning "a keel" in reference to its keeled leaves, though this form does not show this characteristic as obvious. It is also commonly known as the Bredasdorp Gasteria.  

The information provided on this page is based on the research we have conducted about this plant in our nursery library, from what we have found about it on reliable online sources, as well as from observations of our nursery crops of this plant as well as of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens. We also will incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Gasteria carinata var. carinata.