Photo: Nina KerrCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Red Gunniopsis Plant Care
Gunniopsis rubra Chinnock
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring striking red leaves that contrast beautifully against its green stems, this plant originates from the rugged landscapes of Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to Gunniopsis rubra for its unique coloration and ability to thrive in arid environments, making it a coveted addition to any succulent garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Gunniopsis?
Water Red Gunniopsis 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 30–50% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Red Gunniopsis Native To?
What Is the Red Gunniopsis?
Red Gunniopsis (Gunniopsis rubra) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Gunniopsis genus. Red Gunniopsis is native to Western Australia.
Red Gunniopsis displays a low mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red Gunniopsis produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Gunniopsis?
Gunniopsis rubra 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 Red Gunniopsis Need?
Red Gunniopsis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Gunniopsis Prefer?
Gunniopsis rubra grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Red Gunniopsis prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Gunniopsis?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Red Gunniopsis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Gunniopsis?
Feed Red Gunniopsis 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 Red Gunniopsis?
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 Red Gunniopsis?
Red Gunniopsis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to saltbush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Gunniopsis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red Gunniopsis, 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 Red Gunniopsis?
Red Gunniopsis 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 Red Gunniopsis Need?
Red Gunniopsis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Red Gunniopsis is native to Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Red Gunniopsis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Red Gunniopsis 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.
Red Gunniopsis 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 rubra Chinnock, family Aizoaceae (first published in in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 6(2): 174. 1983.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red Gunniopsis, 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: Nina Kerr, 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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