the genus gasteria belongs to the asphodelaceae family and contains about 22 species, native to south africa. a common name i havn’t found but sometimes gasteria carinata is called pencil leaf or octongue. there are some cultivars available with yellow or white variegated leaves.
care
gasteria carinata does best in bright and indirect light with some morning and/or evening sun. if not variegated it tolerates a half shady place. during the summer you can place it at a rain protected place in the garden or on the balcony.
the soil should be well drained, a standard cactus potting mix can be used. give as much water until it flows out the pot’s bottom hole. before watering next allow to dry.
a cactus fertilizer can be given in 1/4 to a 1/2 concentration. during spring and summer monthly and if placed at room temperature during the winter every six to eight weeks. re-potted plants don’t need fertilizer for the first eight weeks.
gasteria carinata can be placed at 10-15 ° C (50-59 °f) in winter. then the soil must kept nearly dry without fertilizing.
propagation
gasteria carinata can be propagated by seeds, division or with leaf cuttings.
