Large False Nettle Plant Care

Large False Nettle (Boehmeria grandis) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Boehmeria genus. Large False Nettle is native to mesic to wet forests across Hawaiʻi along streams, on ridges, and valley floors.

Large False Nettle displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Large False Nettle produces inconspicuous small flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Large False Nettle 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.

Large False Nettle thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Large False Nettle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Boehmeria grandis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Large False Nettle prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Large False Nettle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Large False Nettle every 4 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Large False Nettle is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Large False Nettle can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.

Prune Large False Nettle 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.

Large False Nettle 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.

Large False Nettle can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese false nettle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Large False Nettle 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.

Large False Nettle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Large False Nettle is native to mesic to wet forests across Hawaiʻi along streams, on ridges, and valley floors. In cooler regions, grow Large False Nettle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.