Hylodendron gabunense (Hylodendron gabunense)

Photo: Charles LemairePublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Hylodendron gabunense Plant Care

Hylodendron gabunense Taub.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves with prominent veining, giving it a striking appearance. Hailing from the rainforests of Gabon, its exotic origins and unique foliage make it a coveted addition to any plant collector's collection. Its elegant shape and impressive size make it a standout addition to any indoor jungle.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Hylodendron gabunense?

Water Hylodendron gabunense every 7–10 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Hylodendron gabunense Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Hylodendron gabunense?

Hylodendron gabunense (Hylodendron gabunense) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Hylodendron genus. Hylodendron gabunense is native to Nigeria and west-central tropical Africa.

Hylodendron gabunense displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hylodendron gabunense produces small, fragrant clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hylodendron gabunense?

Hylodendron gabunense requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Hylodendron gabunense Need?

Hylodendron gabunense thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hylodendron gabunense in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hylodendron gabunense Prefer?

Hylodendron gabunense grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Hylodendron gabunense prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hylodendron gabunense?

Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hylodendron gabunense to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hylodendron gabunense?

Feed Hylodendron gabunense every 6 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 6 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 Hylodendron gabunense?

Repot every 1-2 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 Hylodendron gabunense?

Hylodendron gabunense can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Hylodendron gabunense Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Hylodendron gabunense, 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 Hylodendron gabunense?

Hylodendron gabunense 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 Hylodendron gabunense Need?

Hylodendron gabunense grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Hylodendron gabunense is native to Nigeria and west-central tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Hylodendron gabunense as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Hylodendron gabunense 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 Hylodendron genus — compare its care with other Hylodendron species on PlantoScan.

Hylodendron is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Hylodendron gabunense 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: Hylodendron gabunense Taub., family Fabaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(3): 386 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hylodendron gabunense, 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: Charles Lemaire, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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