Gera Plant Care

Gera (Guiera senegalensis) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Guiera genus. Gera is native to Tropical Africa in dry areas from Senegal to Sudan. Gera is also known as Guer, Gueri, Guerin.

Gera displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Gera produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gera 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.

Gera thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Guiera senegalensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Gera prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Gera 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gera is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Gera 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 Gera 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.

Gera 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.

Gera can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Gera is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Gera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Gera is native to Tropical Africa in dry areas from Senegal to Sudan. In cooler regions, grow Gera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.