Marlothiella gummifera Plant Care

Marlothiella gummifera H.Wolff

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Marlothiella gummifera is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, and the only species in the monotypic genus Marlothiella. It is endemic to Namibia, where its natural habitats are rocky areas and cold desert.

🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Marlothiella gummifera?

Plant Marlothiella gummifera in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Marlothiella gummifera Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Marlothiella gummifera?

Marlothiella gummifera (Marlothiella gummifera) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Marlothiella genus. Marlothiella gummifera is native to Namibia.

Marlothiella gummifera displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Marlothiella gummifera produces small clusters of white or pink flowers on tall stalks.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Marlothiella gummifera?

Water a young or newly planted Marlothiella gummifera every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs 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 Marlothiella gummifera Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Marlothiella gummifera Prefer?

Marlothiella gummifera tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Marlothiella gummifera prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Marlothiella gummifera?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Marlothiella gummifera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Marlothiella gummifera?

Feed Marlothiella gummifera every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 Marlothiella gummifera?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Marlothiella gummifera is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Marlothiella gummifera?

Marlothiella gummifera can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Marlothiella gummifera?

Prune Marlothiella gummifera 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 shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Marlothiella gummifera in Winter?

Marlothiella gummifera 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 Marlothiella gummifera?

Marlothiella gummifera can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

Is the Marlothiella gummifera Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Marlothiella gummifera, 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 Marlothiella gummifera?

Marlothiella gummifera is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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 Marlothiella gummifera Need?

Marlothiella gummifera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Marlothiella gummifera is native to Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Marlothiella gummifera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Marlothiella gummifera 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 Marlothiella genus — compare its care with other Marlothiella species on PlantoScan.

Marlothiella is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.

Marlothiella gummifera 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: Marlothiella gummifera H.Wolff, family Apiaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 48: 263 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Marlothiella gummifera, 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.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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