Widely distributed in the southern Western Cape south of the Riviersonderend and Langeberg Mountains from Hermanus in the west to Mossel Bay in the east.

G. carinata is found from close to sea level up to approximately 300 m in altitude. The habitat consists of hilly terrain where the natural vegetation is Renosterveld (Western- and Central Ruens Shale Renosterveld) and occasionally Limestone Fynbos (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). It occurs mainly on shale and sandstone outcrops usually confined to the embankments of dry stream beds, often in shade of Carissa bispinosa. The rock formations consist mainly of shale (Bokkeveld Group, Cape Supergroup) and limestone of the Bredasdorp Formation. Near Mossel Bay plants grow quite close to the sea. Rainfall of 300-500 mm occurs in winter and summer but with a tendency to summer dryness. Summers are hot, with cool nights. Winters are moderate, and if frost occurs, it is slight. The plants grow in small dense groups, almost always in the protection of herbs and shrubs and are well camouflaged and difficult to locate. Occasionally plants may be found in the open. The vegetation is sclerophyllous (with hard, leathery leaves), the plant community is open, up to 1 m tall, interspersed with taller shrubs.

Gasteria carinata is very variable in leaf shape, colour and texture. Three varieties are recognised: G. carinata var. carinata with leaves in a rosette and with a tuberculate surface. This variety is the most common and is confined to the western and southern portion of the distribution area of the species. G. carinata var. glabra grows towards the east and has smooth leaves. G. carinata var. verrucosa has densely grey-green leaves which remain opposite and have a densely tuberculate surface.

Gasteria carinata proliferates from stolons from the base of the stem forming small groups. The following cultivars have been named:

'Melkbos' - A large form with tuberculate leaves.

'Kykoedie' - A small form (introduced by Mr Bruce Bayer). It has short and broad triangular, tuberculate leaves 60 mm in length.

'Mossel Bay' - In the eastern part of the distribution range a beautiful, prolific plant was collected by Professor E. A. C. L. E. (Ted) Schelpe. The plants have smooth linear lorate leaves 90-120 mm x 15-20 mm with a blunt point and dense spotting in attractively arranged transverse bands.

'Great Brak' - From the Great Brak River a prolific clone was brought into cultivation at Stellenbosch University Botanic Garden which was later described as G. schweickerdtiana Poelln. The plants have smooth, tongue-shaped, very faintly spotted leaves, 70-100 mm x 20-25 mm, with a blunt point.

'Klein Brak' - From Kleinvlei near Klein Brak, introduced by Mr Howard Gie, a form with smooth, faintly spotted, triangular-spear-shaped leaves 80-110 mm x 40-45 mm.