Gibbs' Dacrydium Plant Care

Dacrydium gibbsiae Stapf

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Dacrydium gibbsiae is a conifer species native to Borneo. It grows on Mount Kinabalu on ultramafic soil, and is notable for being able to tolerate the high levels of toxic metal compounds present in these soils.

🌳Trees🌲Conifers
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Plant Gibbs' Dacrydium in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Gibbs' Dacrydium Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Gibbs' Dacrydium (Dacrydium gibbsiae) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Dacrydium genus. Gibbs' Dacrydium is native to Borneo.

Gibbs' Dacrydium displays a pyramidal, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Gibbs' Dacrydium produces inconspicuous, small male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Water a young or newly planted Gibbs' Dacrydium every 7–14 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Gibbs' Dacrydium Need?

Gibbs' Dacrydium thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gibbs' Dacrydium Prefer?

Dacrydium gibbsiae tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Gibbs' Dacrydium prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Gibbs' Dacrydium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Feed Gibbs' Dacrydium 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.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gibbs' Dacrydium is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Gibbs' Dacrydium can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.

How Do You Prune a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Prune Gibbs' Dacrydium 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.

How Do You Care for a Gibbs' Dacrydium in Winter?

Gibbs' Dacrydium is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Gibbs' Dacrydium can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to beccari's pine plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Gibbs' Dacrydium Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Gibbs' Dacrydium, 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 Gibbs' Dacrydium?

Gibbs' Dacrydium is susceptible to aphids, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Gibbs' Dacrydium Need?

Gibbs' Dacrydium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Gibbs' Dacrydium is native to Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Gibbs' Dacrydium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Gibbs' Dacrydium 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 Dacrydium genus — compare its care with other Dacrydium species on PlantoScan.

Dacrydium is part of the Podocarpaceae plant family — browse all Podocarpaceae genera and species.

Gibbs' Dacrydium thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Dacrydium Species

Other Dacrydium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Dacrydium gibbsiae Stapf, family Podocarpaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 42: 192 (1914)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gibbs' Dacrydium, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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