Griffith's Goniothalamus Plant Care

Goniothalamus griffithii Hook.f. & Thomson

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The Goniothalamus griffithii is known for its eye-catching bright yellow flowers that stand out against its deep green foliage. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and rare presence in cultivation, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Plant Griffith's Goniothalamus in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11a–12b) 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Griffith's Goniothalamus Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Griffith's Goniothalamus (Goniothalamus griffithii) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Goniothalamus genus. Griffith's Goniothalamus is native to Myanmar and Thailand. Griffith's Goniothalamus is also known as Griffith's Yellowwood.

Griffith's Goniothalamus displays an upright, bushy tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Griffith's Goniothalamus produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, or green.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Water a young or newly planted Griffith's Goniothalamus 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 Griffith's Goniothalamus Need?

Griffith's Goniothalamus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Griffith's Goniothalamus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Griffith's Goniothalamus Prefer?

Goniothalamus griffithii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Griffith's Goniothalamus prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Griffith's Goniothalamus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Feed Griffith's Goniothalamus 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 Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Griffith's Goniothalamus is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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 Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Griffith's Goniothalamus 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 Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Prune Griffith's Goniothalamus 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 Griffith's Goniothalamus in Winter?

Griffith's Goniothalamus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Griffith's Goniothalamus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amuyon plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Griffith's Goniothalamus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to humans and pets

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 Griffith's Goniothalamus?

Griffith's Goniothalamus 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 Griffith's Goniothalamus Need?

Griffith's Goniothalamus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Griffith's Goniothalamus is native to Myanmar and Thailand. In cooler regions, grow Griffith's Goniothalamus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Griffith's Goniothalamus 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 Goniothalamus genus — compare its care with other Goniothalamus species on PlantoScan.

Goniothalamus is part of the Annonaceae plant family — browse all Annonaceae genera and species.

Griffith's Goniothalamus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Goniothalamus Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Goniothalamus griffithii Hook.f. & Thomson, family Annonaceae (first published in Fl. Ind. 1: 110 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Griffith's Goniothalamus is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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