Gutta-percha Plant Care

Gutta-percha (Palaquium galactoxylum) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Palaquium genus. Gutta-percha is native to rainforests of New Guinea and northern Australia. Gutta-percha is also known as Pale gutta-percha.

Gutta-percha displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Gutta-percha produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gutta-percha 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.

Gutta-percha thrives in partial to full sun.

Palaquium galactoxylum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Gutta-percha prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Gutta-percha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gutta-percha every 6 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gutta-percha is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Gutta-percha 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.

Prune Gutta-percha 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.

Gutta-percha is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gutta-percha can be propagated through seeds, air layering, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nyatoh plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Gutta-percha is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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.

Gutta-percha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Gutta-percha is native to rainforests of New Guinea and northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Gutta-percha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.