Photo: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., CanadaCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Tree Ragweed Plant Care
Ambrosia arborescens Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silver-gray leaves covered in fine hairs, this plant originates from South Africa and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance. Its fuzzy foliage adds texture and interest to any collection, making it a standout choice for those looking to add a touch of exotic flair to their indoor garden.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree Ragweed?
Water Tree Ragweed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Tree Ragweed Native To?
What Is the Tree Ragweed?
Tree Ragweed (Ambrosia arborescens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ambrosia genus. Tree Ragweed is native to the Andes from Colombia south to Bolivia. Tree Ragweed is also known as Shrubby Ragweed, Ambrosia fruticosa, Franseria arborescens.
Tree Ragweed displays a spreading herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Tree Ragweed produces small green flowers in inconspicuous clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree Ragweed?
Ambrosia arborescens requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tree Ragweed Need?
Tree Ragweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Ragweed Prefer?
Ambrosia arborescens grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tree Ragweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Ragweed?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tree Ragweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Ragweed?
Feed Tree Ragweed every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tree Ragweed?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tree Ragweed?
Tree Ragweed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to common ragweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree Ragweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Tree Ragweed?
Tree Ragweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Tree Ragweed Need?
Tree Ragweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Tree Ragweed is native to the Andes from Colombia south to Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Tree Ragweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tree Ragweed 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 Ambrosia genus — compare its care with other Ambrosia species on PlantoScan.
Ambrosia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Tree Ragweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ambrosia Species
Other Ambrosia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ambrosia arborescens Mill., family Asteraceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : n.° 5 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Tree Ragweed is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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