Grisollea thomassetii (Grisollea thomassetii)

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Grisollea thomassetii Plant Care

Grisollea thomassetii Hemsl.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking fuzzy leaves covered in silver hairs, Grisollea thomassetii is a rare and visually captivating plant native to the cloud forests of South America. This unique feature, combined with its vibrant pink flowers, makes it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor gardens.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Grisollea thomassetii?

Plant Grisollea thomassetii in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Grisollea thomassetii Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Grisollea thomassetii?

Grisollea thomassetii (Grisollea thomassetii) belongs to the Stemonuraceae family within the Grisollea genus. Grisollea thomassetii is native to Seychelles.

Grisollea thomassetii displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Grisollea thomassetii produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Grisollea thomassetii?

Water a young or newly planted Grisollea thomassetii 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 Grisollea thomassetii Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Grisollea thomassetii Prefer?

Grisollea thomassetii tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Grisollea thomassetii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Grisollea thomassetii?

Well-draining loamy soil with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Grisollea thomassetii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Grisollea thomassetii?

Feed Grisollea thomassetii 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 Grisollea thomassetii?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Grisollea thomassetii is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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 Grisollea thomassetii?

Grisollea thomassetii 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 Grisollea thomassetii?

Prune Grisollea thomassetii 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 Grisollea thomassetii in Winter?

Grisollea thomassetii 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 Grisollea thomassetii?

Grisollea thomassetii can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, air layering.

Is the Grisollea thomassetii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Grisollea thomassetii, 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 Grisollea thomassetii?

Grisollea thomassetii is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Grisollea thomassetii Need?

Grisollea thomassetii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Grisollea thomassetii is native to Seychelles. In cooler regions, grow Grisollea thomassetii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Grisollea thomassetii 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 Grisollea genus — compare its care with other Grisollea species on PlantoScan.

Grisollea is part of the Stemonuraceae plant family — browse all Stemonuraceae genera and species.

Grisollea thomassetii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Grisollea thomassetii Hemsl., family Stemonuraceae (first published in Hooker's Icon. Pl. 28: t. 2789 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Grisollea thomassetii, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 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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