Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum Plant Care

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum (Dalzell) Trimen

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's glossy, round, dark green leaves are its most distinctive feature. Originating from Sri Lanka, its unique foliage and attractive growth habit make it a sought-after addition to any plant collector's collection. With a velvety texture and a beautiful, compact form, it's sure to stand out in any indoor garden.

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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Plant Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10a–12b) 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum Native To?

Native range10 countries

What Is the Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum (Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Glochidion genus. Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, ranging from India and Sri Lanka to the Himalayas, Myanmar, Thailand, and southern China to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Water a young or newly planted Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum Need?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum Prefer?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Feed Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Prune Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum in Winter?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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.

How Do You Propagate a Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum, 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum Need?

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, ranging from India and Sri Lanka to the Himalayas, Myanmar, Thailand, and southern China to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. In cooler regions, grow Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum 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 zeylanicum var. tomentosum (Dalzell) Trimen, family Phyllanthaceae (first published in Syst. Cat. Fl. Pl. Ceylon : 79 (1885)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glochidion zeylanicum var. tomentosum, 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 10a – 12b, 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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