Photo: Fabio IppolitoCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Atractylis gummifera Plant Care
Chamaeleon gummifer Cass.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique silver-gray leaves with velvety texture, which make it stand out in any collection. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this species is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in dry, arid climates.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Atractylis gummifera?
Water Atractylis gummifera every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Atractylis gummifera Native To?
What Is the Atractylis gummifera?
Atractylis gummifera (Chamaeleon gummifer) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Chamaeleon genus. Atractylis gummifera is native to the Mediterranean basin. Atractylis gummifera is also known as Carthamus gummiferus, Acarna gummifera, Cirsellium gummiferum.
Atractylis gummifera displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Atractylis gummifera produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Atractylis gummifera?
Chamaeleon gummifer requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Atractylis gummifera Need?
Atractylis gummifera thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Atractylis gummifera Prefer?
Chamaeleon gummifer grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Atractylis gummifera prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Atractylis gummifera?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Atractylis gummifera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Atractylis gummifera?
Feed Atractylis gummifera every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Atractylis gummifera?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Atractylis gummifera?
Atractylis gummifera can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Atractylis gummifera Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Atractylis gummifera, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Atractylis gummifera?
Atractylis gummifera is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Atractylis gummifera Need?
Atractylis gummifera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Atractylis gummifera is native to the Mediterranean basin.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Atractylis gummifera is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chamaeleon genus — compare its care with other Chamaeleon species on PlantoScan.
Chamaeleon is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Atractylis gummifera thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chamaeleon gummifer Cass., family Asteraceae (first published in Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 47: 509 (1827)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Atractylis gummifera, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Fabio Ippolito, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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