Broadleaf Gyminda (Gyminda latifolia)

Photo: Mario GuzmánCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Broadleaf Gyminda Plant Care

Gyminda latifolia (Sw.) Urb.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves, this plant originates from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Gyminda latifolia for its unique foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Broadleaf Gyminda?

Plant Broadleaf Gyminda in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10b–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Broadleaf Gyminda Native To?

Native range24 countries

What Is the Broadleaf Gyminda?

Broadleaf Gyminda (Gyminda latifolia) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Gyminda genus. Broadleaf Gyminda is native to coastal Mexico, the Florida Keys, and the islands of the Caribbean.

Broadleaf Gyminda displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Broadleaf Gyminda produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Broadleaf Gyminda?

Water a young or newly planted Broadleaf Gyminda 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 Broadleaf Gyminda Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broadleaf Gyminda Prefer?

Gyminda latifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Broadleaf Gyminda 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 Broadleaf Gyminda?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Broadleaf Gyminda?

Feed Broadleaf Gyminda 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 Broadleaf Gyminda?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Broadleaf Gyminda is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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 Broadleaf Gyminda?

Broadleaf Gyminda can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Broadleaf Gyminda?

Prune Broadleaf Gyminda 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 Broadleaf Gyminda in Winter?

Broadleaf Gyminda is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Broadleaf Gyminda?

Broadleaf Gyminda can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none known plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Broadleaf Gyminda Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Broadleaf Gyminda, 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 Broadleaf Gyminda?

Broadleaf Gyminda is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Broadleaf Gyminda Need?

Broadleaf Gyminda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Broadleaf Gyminda is native to coastal Mexico, the Florida Keys, and the islands of the Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Broadleaf Gyminda as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Broadleaf Gyminda 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 Gyminda genus — compare its care with other Gyminda species on PlantoScan.

Gyminda is part of the Celastraceae plant family — browse all Celastraceae genera and species.

Broadleaf Gyminda 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: Gyminda latifolia (Sw.) Urb., family Celastraceae (first published in Symb. Antill. 5: 80 (1904)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broadleaf Gyminda, 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: Mario Guzmán, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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