Gumbo-limbo Plant Care

Gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Bursera genus. Gumbo-limbo is native to the Neotropics, from South Florida to Mexico and the Caribbean to Brazil, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Gumbo-limbo is also known as Chaparro, West Indian Birch, Copperwood.

Gumbo-limbo displays a tall, branching tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Gumbo-limbo produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gumbo-limbo every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Gumbo-limbo thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bursera simaruba tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Gumbo-limbo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite and gravel for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Gumbo-limbo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gumbo-limbo every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite and gravel for good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gumbo-limbo is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Gumbo-limbo can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Gumbo-limbo while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Gumbo-limbo is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gumbo-limbo can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aromatic bursera plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Gumbo-limbo is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Gumbo-limbo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Gumbo-limbo is native to the Neotropics, from South Florida to Mexico and the Caribbean to Brazil, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Gumbo-limbo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.