Japanese false nettle Plant Care

Japanese false nettle (Boehmeria japonica) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Boehmeria genus. Japanese false nettle is native to eastern Asia. Japanese false nettle is also known as False nettle.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Japanese 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.

Japanese false nettle thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Japanese false nettle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Boehmeria japonica tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Japanese 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 Japanese false nettle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Japanese 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.

Japanese false nettle is suited to USDA Zone 6a – 9b.

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.

Japanese 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 Japanese 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.

Japanese false nettle is hardy down to USDA zone 6a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

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

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

Japanese 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.

Japanese false nettle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Japanese false nettle is native to eastern Asia.