Glochidion harveyanum Plant Care

Glochidion harveyanum Domin

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Glochidion harveyanum known as the buttonwood or Harvey's buttonwood is a shrub or small tree in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is found in tropical north eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea in drier rainforest areas, from coastal areas to 1,000 metres above sea level.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Glochidion harveyanum?

Plant Glochidion harveyanum in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 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 Glochidion harveyanum Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Glochidion harveyanum?

Glochidion harveyanum (Glochidion harveyanum) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Glochidion genus. Glochidion harveyanum is native to tropical north eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea in drier rainforest areas, from coastal areas to 1,000 metres above sea level.

Glochidion harveyanum displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Glochidion harveyanum produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Glochidion harveyanum?

Water a young or newly planted Glochidion harveyanum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Glochidion harveyanum Need?

Glochidion harveyanum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Glochidion harveyanum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glochidion harveyanum Prefer?

Glochidion harveyanum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Glochidion harveyanum 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 Glochidion harveyanum?

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Glochidion harveyanum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Glochidion harveyanum?

Feed Glochidion harveyanum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 Glochidion harveyanum?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Glochidion harveyanum is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Glochidion harveyanum?

Glochidion harveyanum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Glochidion harveyanum?

Prune Glochidion harveyanum 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 shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Glochidion harveyanum in Winter?

Glochidion harveyanum 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 Glochidion harveyanum?

Glochidion harveyanum can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to glochidion carrickii plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Glochidion harveyanum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Glochidion harveyanum, 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 Glochidion harveyanum?

Glochidion harveyanum 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Glochidion harveyanum Need?

Glochidion harveyanum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Glochidion harveyanum is native to tropical north eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea in drier rainforest areas, from coastal areas to 1,000 metres above sea level. In cooler regions, grow Glochidion harveyanum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Glochidion harveyanum 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 Glochidion genus — compare its care with other Glochidion species on PlantoScan.

Glochidion is part of the Phyllanthaceae plant family — browse all Phyllanthaceae genera and species.

Glochidion harveyanum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Glochidion Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Glochidion harveyanum Domin, family Phyllanthaceae (first published in Biblioth. Bot. 22(89): 319 (1927)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glochidion harveyanum, 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.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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