Dendrocnide moroides
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Dendrocnide moroides

Suicide plant · Gympie gympie

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–13
Click count
12
Observations
20

Description

Source: leafsnap

The gympie-gympie (Dendrocnide moroides) belongs to the nettle family Urticaceae, which contains the common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Most experts consider the stinging bush, gympie stinger, or mulberry-leaved stringer to be the world's most unpleasant plant to come into touch with. Fortunately, this species is largely restricted to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, so you won't find it in your neighborhood. Knowing how to recognize the plant, on the other hand, could prevent you from a terrible surprise if you're exploring the area.

Care Guide

💧 Water Once a week

Its found in rainforests, and on river courses where there is a good amount of water supply.

Suggested frequency: Once a week
☀️ Light Partial sun

The Gympie stinging tree occurs naturally in habitats like forest understories or rocky areas, where it receives natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its versatile, hardy nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Gympie stinging tree comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature drops too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilizing is essential for the care of the Gympie stinging tree. Regular feeding during the growing season maintains the energy needed for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. Neglecting fertilization can cause unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental appeal, and stunted or weak growth that is prone to breaking.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

It's hard to find them grown in backyards, but in case you find them it's advisable you call horticulturist to prune or uproot them with protective gear.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Dendrocnide
Family
Urticaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
0.91 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Australia, Indonesia

Tags (8)

Common Names (2)

en Suicide plant
en Gympie gympie