Gurmar Plant Care
Gymnema cuspidatum (Thunb.) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gymnema cuspidatum is a unique plant known for its long, slender leaves that have a glossy green color and pointed tips. Native to the forests of India, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its ability to suppress sweet tastes on the tongue when chewed.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Gurmar?
Water Gurmar every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Gurmar?
Gurmar (Gymnema cuspidatum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Gymnema genus. Gurmar is native to India. Gurmar is also known as Cowplant, Periploca of the woods.
Gurmar displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Gurmar produces small, greenish-yellow clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gurmar?
Gymnema cuspidatum 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 Gurmar Need?
Gurmar thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Gurmar in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gurmar Prefer?
Gymnema cuspidatum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Gurmar prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gurmar?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Gurmar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gurmar?
Feed Gurmar every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Gurmar?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Gurmar?
Gurmar can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gurmar plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gurmar Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gurmar, 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 Gurmar?
Gurmar 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 Gurmar Need?
Gurmar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Gurmar is native to India. In cooler regions, grow Gurmar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Gurmar 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 Gymnema genus — compare its care with other Gymnema species on PlantoScan.
Gymnema is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Gurmar 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: Gymnema cuspidatum (Thunb.) Kuntze, family Apocynaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 420 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gurmar, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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