Photo: Em LamondCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Gunniopsis papillata Plant Care
Gunniopsis papillata Chinnock
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gunniopsis papillata, also known as the "Shiny Pigface," is a succulent plant with thick, glossy green leaves that have a unique papillate texture. This Australian native plant is popular among enthusiasts for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in arid conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Gunniopsis papillata?
Water Gunniopsis papillata every 7–14 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Gunniopsis papillata Native To?
What Is the Gunniopsis papillata?
Gunniopsis papillata (Gunniopsis papillata) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Gunniopsis genus. Gunniopsis papillata is native to inland areas of Australia.
Gunniopsis papillata displays a low mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Gunniopsis papillata produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gunniopsis papillata?
Gunniopsis papillata requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Gunniopsis papillata Need?
Gunniopsis papillata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gunniopsis papillata Prefer?
Gunniopsis papillata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Gunniopsis papillata prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gunniopsis papillata?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Gunniopsis papillata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gunniopsis papillata?
Feed Gunniopsis papillata every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Gunniopsis papillata?
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 Gunniopsis papillata?
Gunniopsis papillata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to saltbush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gunniopsis papillata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gunniopsis papillata, 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 Gunniopsis papillata?
Gunniopsis papillata is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, 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 Gunniopsis papillata Need?
Gunniopsis papillata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Gunniopsis papillata is native to inland areas of Australia. In cooler regions, grow Gunniopsis papillata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Gunniopsis papillata 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 Gunniopsis genus — compare its care with other Gunniopsis species on PlantoScan.
Gunniopsis is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Gunniopsis papillata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Gunniopsis Species
Other Gunniopsis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gunniopsis papillata Chinnock, family Aizoaceae (first published in in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 6(2): 160. 1983.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gunniopsis papillata, 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: Em Lamond, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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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