Fourleaf allseed (Tetranema gamboanum)

Image: AI generated

Fourleaf allseed Plant Care

Tetranema gamboanum Grayum & Hammel

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking lance-shaped leaves covered in velvety silver hairs, this plant originates from the tropical forests of Ecuador. Plant collectors are drawn to Tetranema gamboanum for its unique foliage, adding a touch of exotic elegance to any indoor jungle.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Fourleaf allseed?

Plant Fourleaf allseed in full sun to partial shade (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.

What Is the Fourleaf allseed?

Fourleaf allseed (Tetranema gamboanum) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Tetranema genus. Fourleaf allseed is native to South America. Fourleaf allseed is also known as Fourleaf allseedling.

Fourleaf allseed displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Fourleaf allseed produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Fourleaf allseed?

Water a young or newly planted Fourleaf allseed 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 Fourleaf allseed Need?

Fourleaf allseed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fourleaf allseed Prefer?

Tetranema gamboanum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Fourleaf allseed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fourleaf allseed?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Fourleaf allseed?

Feed Fourleaf allseed 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 Fourleaf allseed?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fourleaf allseed 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 Fourleaf allseed?

Fourleaf allseed can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Fourleaf allseed?

Prune Fourleaf allseed 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 Fourleaf allseed in Winter?

Fourleaf allseed 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 Fourleaf allseed?

Fourleaf allseed can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tetranema evoluta plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Fourleaf allseed Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Fourleaf allseed, 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 Fourleaf allseed?

Fourleaf allseed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. 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 Fourleaf allseed Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Fourleaf allseed 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 Tetranema genus — compare its care with other Tetranema species on PlantoScan.

Tetranema is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.

Fourleaf allseed 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: Tetranema gamboanum Grayum & Hammel, family Plantaginaceae (first published in Phytologia 79: 270 (1995 publ. 1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fourleaf allseed, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Fourleaf allseed Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species