Nakedwood Plant Care
Gymnocarpos bracteatus (Balf.f.) Petruss. & Thulin
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to South Africa, this plant is known for its delicate white flowers that contrast beautifully against its dark green foliage. Gymnocarpos bracteatus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and rare availability in cultivation. Its small, rounded leaves and intricate branching pattern make it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Nakedwood?
Water Nakedwood every 14–21 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 Nakedwood Native To?
What Is the Nakedwood?
Nakedwood (Gymnocarpos bracteatus) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Gymnocarpos genus. Nakedwood is native to the Hajhir Mountains of Socotra in Yemen.
Nakedwood displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Nakedwood produces small white or pink star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Nakedwood?
Gymnocarpos bracteatus requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Nakedwood Need?
Nakedwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Nakedwood Prefer?
Gymnocarpos bracteatus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Nakedwood prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Nakedwood?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Nakedwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nakedwood?
Feed Nakedwood 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 Nakedwood?
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 Nakedwood?
Nakedwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gymnocarpos kuriensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Nakedwood Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Nakedwood, 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 Nakedwood?
Nakedwood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Nakedwood 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 Gymnocarpos genus — compare its care with other Gymnocarpos species on PlantoScan.
Gymnocarpos is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Nakedwood 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: Gymnocarpos bracteatus (Balf.f.) Petruss. & Thulin, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Edinburgh J. Bot. 53: 17 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Nakedwood, 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.
- 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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