Vietnamese Ailanthus Plant Care

Vietnamese Ailanthus (Ailanthus vietnamensis) belongs to the Simaroubaceae family within the Ailanthus genus. Vietnamese Ailanthus is native to the wet tropics of Vietnam. Vietnamese Ailanthus is also known as Vietnamese Sumac.

Vietnamese Ailanthus displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Vietnamese Ailanthus produces small greenish-yellow flowers in large clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vietnamese Ailanthus 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.

Vietnamese Ailanthus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ailanthus vietnamensis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Vietnamese Ailanthus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Vietnamese Ailanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Vietnamese Ailanthus 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vietnamese Ailanthus is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Vietnamese Ailanthus can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Vietnamese Ailanthus 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.

Vietnamese Ailanthus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Vietnamese Ailanthus can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Vietnamese Ailanthus is susceptible to ailanthus webworm, ailanthus defoliator. 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.

Vietnamese Ailanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Vietnamese Ailanthus is native to the wet tropics of Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Vietnamese Ailanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.