Gunnera tinctoria
TAXONOMY
FamilyGunneraceae
GenusGunnera
Zone8
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Gunnera tinctoria, commonly known as Chilean rhubarb or giant rhubarb, is a large, perennial plant native to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. It is known for its enormous leaves that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter. The plant thrives in temperate climates and prefers moist, boggy conditions. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Chilean-Rhubarb
Giant Rhubarb
Chilean gunnera
Gunnera scabra
Panke tinctoria
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity70%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Gunnera tinctoria requires a lot of space due to its large size. It prefers indirect bright light and should be kept in a location with moderate temperatures. The plant thrives in high humidity and needs to be watered frequently to keep the soil consistently wet. It is best suited for outdoor growth in temperate climates.Soil
Gunnera tinctoria prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-draining yet consistently moist. Adding compost or other organic material can help improve soil quality and drainage.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically in spring and summer, to support its rapid growth. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Gunnera tinctoria due to its large size and outdoor growth preference. However, if grown in a container, repotting should be done in early spring before new growth begins. Use a large container with ample space for root growth and fresh loamy soil.Propagation
Gunnera tinctoria can be propagated by division or from seed. Division is best done in early spring or late autumn. Carefully separate the rhizomes and replant them in suitable soil. Seeds can be sown in a cold frame in spring.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to remove dead or damaged leaves and to control the size of the plant. Prune in late autumn after the plant has gone dormant. Cut back the leaves to the base to prepare the plant for winter.Toxicity
Gunnera tinctoria is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, the large leaves can be sharp and may cause minor skin irritation if handled without care.Additional
Gunnera tinctoria is a striking plant that can serve as a focal point in a garden. It is important to provide ample space for its growth and to ensure that it has access to plenty of water. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and protect the roots during colder months.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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