Gamochaeta subfalcata (Gnaphalium antillanum)

Photo: Harry Rose from South West Rocks, AustraliaCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Gamochaeta subfalcata Plant Care

Gnaphalium antillanum Urb.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its silvery-gray, woolly leaves that add an interesting texture to any garden. Originating from the Caribbean, Gnaphalium antillanum is sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Water Gamochaeta subfalcata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Gamochaeta subfalcata Native To?

Native range23 countries

What Is the Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Gamochaeta subfalcata (Gnaphalium antillanum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gnaphalium genus. Gamochaeta subfalcata is native to the Greater Antilles and to the southeastern United States. Gamochaeta subfalcata is also known as Gnaphalium antillanum, Gnaphalium subfalcatum.

Gamochaeta subfalcata displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Gamochaeta subfalcata produces small yellow or white clustered flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Gnaphalium antillanum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Gamochaeta subfalcata Need?

Gamochaeta subfalcata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gamochaeta subfalcata Prefer?

Gnaphalium antillanum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Gamochaeta subfalcata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Gamochaeta subfalcata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Feed Gamochaeta subfalcata every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 2 months

During the growing season

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

How Do You Repot a Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Gamochaeta subfalcata can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marsh cudweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Gamochaeta subfalcata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Gamochaeta subfalcata, 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 Gamochaeta subfalcata?

Gamochaeta subfalcata 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Gamochaeta subfalcata Need?

Gamochaeta subfalcata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Gamochaeta subfalcata is native to the Greater Antilles and to the southeastern United States.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 8a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Gamochaeta subfalcata 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 Gnaphalium genus — compare its care with other Gnaphalium species on PlantoScan.

Gnaphalium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Gamochaeta subfalcata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Gnaphalium Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Gnaphalium antillanum Urb., family Asteraceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 13: 482 (1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gamochaeta subfalcata, 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.
  • Photo: Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, 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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