Glionnetia sericea Plant Care
Glionnetia sericea (Baker) Tirveng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Glionnetia sericea boasts large, glossy, oval-shaped leaves with a striking silver underside. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in humid environments.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Glionnetia sericea?
Plant Glionnetia sericea in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Glionnetia sericea Native To?
What Is the Glionnetia sericea?
Glionnetia sericea (Glionnetia sericea) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Glionnetia genus. Glionnetia sericea is native to Mahé and Silhouette Island in the Seychelles.
Glionnetia sericea displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Glionnetia sericea produces small, white fragrant flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Glionnetia sericea?
Water a young or newly planted Glionnetia sericea 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 Glionnetia sericea Need?
Glionnetia sericea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Glionnetia sericea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glionnetia sericea Prefer?
Glionnetia sericea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Glionnetia sericea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glionnetia sericea?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Glionnetia sericea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Glionnetia sericea?
Feed Glionnetia sericea every 6 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 6 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 Glionnetia sericea?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Glionnetia sericea is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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 Glionnetia sericea?
Glionnetia sericea can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Glionnetia sericea?
Prune Glionnetia sericea 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 Glionnetia sericea in Winter?
Glionnetia sericea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Glionnetia sericea?
Glionnetia sericea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Glionnetia sericea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Glionnetia sericea, 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 Glionnetia sericea?
Glionnetia sericea is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Glionnetia sericea Need?
Glionnetia sericea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Glionnetia sericea is native to Mahé and Silhouette Island in the Seychelles. In cooler regions, grow Glionnetia sericea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Glionnetia sericea 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 Glionnetia genus — compare its care with other Glionnetia species on PlantoScan.
Glionnetia is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Glionnetia sericea 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: Glionnetia sericea (Baker) Tirveng., family Rubiaceae (first published in Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat., B, Adansonia 6: 202 (1984)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glionnetia sericea, 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 13b, 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.
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