Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Gac Plant Care
Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its deep green, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins. Originating from Southeast Asia, it is sought after by plant collectors for its unique fruit that resembles a spiky orange lantern, which is used in traditional medicine and culinary dishes.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Gac?
Water Gac every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Gac Native To?
What Is the Gac?
Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family within the Momordica genus. Gac is native to countries throughout Southeast Asia and to Queensland, Australia. Gac is also known as Spiny bitter gourd, Cochinchin gourd, Baby jackfruit.
Gac displays a vining annual growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Gac produces yellow, bell-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gac?
Momordica cochinchinensis 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 Gac Need?
Gac thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gac Prefer?
Momordica cochinchinensis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Gac prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gac?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Gac to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gac?
Feed Gac every 2 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 2 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 Gac?
Repot annually 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 Gac?
Gac can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balsam apple plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gac Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gac, 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 Gac?
Gac 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Gac Need?
Gac grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Gac is native to countries throughout Southeast Asia and to Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Gac as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Gac 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 Momordica genus — compare its care with other Momordica species on PlantoScan.
Momordica is part of the Cucurbitaceae plant family — browse all Cucurbitaceae genera and species.
Gac thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Momordica Species
Other Momordica species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng., family Cucurbitaceae (first published in Syst. Veg. 3: 14 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gac, 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 10a – 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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