Gmelina lignum-vitreum Plant Care

Gmelina lignum-vitreum (Gmelina lignum-vitreum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Gmelina genus. Gmelina lignum-vitreum is native to New Caledonia.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum displays a fast-growing, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Gmelina lignum-vitreum produces showy clusters of tubular yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gmelina lignum-vitreum every 7–10 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.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Gmelina lignum-vitreum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Gmelina lignum-vitreum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gmelina lignum-vitreum 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.

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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum 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.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Gmelina lignum-vitreum 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.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum 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.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gmelina plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Gmelina lignum-vitreum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Gmelina lignum-vitreum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Gmelina lignum-vitreum is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Gmelina lignum-vitreum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.