Sticky Gymnosperma (Gymnosperma glutinosum)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Sticky Gymnosperma Plant Care

Gymnosperma glutinosum Less.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its glossy, deep green leaves that have a unique sticky texture. Originating from South America, Gymnosperma glutinosum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and exotic appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Sticky Gymnosperma?

Plant Sticky Gymnosperma in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 8a–11b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Sticky Gymnosperma Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Sticky Gymnosperma?

Sticky Gymnosperma (Gymnosperma glutinosum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gymnosperma genus. Sticky Gymnosperma is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and the southwestern United States.

Sticky Gymnosperma displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Sticky Gymnosperma produces small yellow composite flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Water a young or newly planted Sticky Gymnosperma 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Sticky Gymnosperma Need?

Sticky Gymnosperma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sticky Gymnosperma Prefer?

Gymnosperma glutinosum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Sticky Gymnosperma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Sticky Gymnosperma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Feed Sticky Gymnosperma 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sticky Gymnosperma is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 11b.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Sticky Gymnosperma can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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.

How Do You Prune a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Prune Sticky Gymnosperma 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.

How Do You Care for a Sticky Gymnosperma in Winter?

Sticky Gymnosperma is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Sticky Gymnosperma?

Sticky Gymnosperma can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Sticky Gymnosperma Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Sticky Gymnosperma, 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 Sticky Gymnosperma?

Sticky Gymnosperma is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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 Sticky Gymnosperma Need?

Sticky Gymnosperma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Sticky Gymnosperma is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and the southwestern United States.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 8a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Sticky Gymnosperma 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 Gymnosperma genus — compare its care with other Gymnosperma species on PlantoScan.

Gymnosperma is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Sticky Gymnosperma 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: Gymnosperma glutinosum Less., family Asteraceae (first published in Syn. Gen. Compos. : 194 (1832)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticky Gymnosperma, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 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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