Gymnostoma nobile Plant Care
Gymnostoma nobile (Whitmore) L.A.S.Johnson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gymnostoma nobile is a species of tree endemic to northern Borneo.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Gymnostoma nobile?
Plant Gymnostoma nobile in full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Gymnostoma nobile?
Gymnostoma nobile (Gymnostoma nobile) belongs to the Casuarinaceae family within the Gymnostoma genus. Gymnostoma nobile is native to northern Borneo.
Gymnostoma nobile displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Gymnostoma nobile produces inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gymnostoma nobile?
Water a young or newly planted Gymnostoma nobile every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Gymnostoma nobile Need?
Gymnostoma nobile thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gymnostoma nobile Prefer?
Gymnostoma nobile tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Gymnostoma nobile prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gymnostoma nobile?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Gymnostoma nobile to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gymnostoma nobile?
Feed Gymnostoma nobile every 8 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 8 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 Gymnostoma nobile?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Gymnostoma nobile is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Gymnostoma nobile?
Gymnostoma nobile can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Gymnostoma nobile?
Prune Gymnostoma nobile 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 Gymnostoma nobile in Winter?
Gymnostoma nobile is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Gymnostoma nobile?
Gymnostoma nobile can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to australian kauri plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gymnostoma nobile Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gymnostoma nobile, 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 Gymnostoma nobile?
Gymnostoma nobile is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Gymnostoma nobile Need?
Gymnostoma nobile grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Gymnostoma nobile is native to northern Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Gymnostoma nobile as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Gymnostoma nobile 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 Gymnostoma genus — compare its care with other Gymnostoma species on PlantoScan.
Gymnostoma is part of the Casuarinaceae plant family — browse all Casuarinaceae genera and species.
Gymnostoma nobile 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: Gymnostoma nobile (Whitmore) L.A.S.Johnson, family Casuarinaceae (first published in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 6: 84 (1982)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gymnostoma nobile, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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