Photo: James HoCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Eupatorium cannabinum Plant Care
Eupatorium formosanum Hayata
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hailing from the mountainous regions of Taiwan, this plant's most distinctive feature is its large, heart-shaped leaves that have a velvety texture. Plant collectors are drawn to Eupatorium formosanum for its unique foliage and striking appearance in shady gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Eupatorium cannabinum?
Water Eupatorium cannabinum every 7–10 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 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Eupatorium cannabinum?
Eupatorium cannabinum (Eupatorium formosanum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eupatorium genus. Eupatorium cannabinum is native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Eupatorium cannabinum is also known as Eupatorium formosanum, Eupatorium quasitripartitum.
Eupatorium cannabinum displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Eupatorium cannabinum produces clusters of small, fluffy white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Eupatorium cannabinum?
Eupatorium formosanum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Eupatorium cannabinum Need?
Eupatorium cannabinum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Eupatorium cannabinum Prefer?
Eupatorium formosanum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Eupatorium cannabinum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Eupatorium cannabinum?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Eupatorium cannabinum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Eupatorium cannabinum?
Feed Eupatorium cannabinum every 4 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 4 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 Eupatorium cannabinum?
Repot every 2-3 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 Eupatorium cannabinum?
Eupatorium cannabinum can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white thoroughwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Eupatorium cannabinum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Eupatorium cannabinum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Eupatorium cannabinum?
Eupatorium cannabinum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. 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 Eupatorium cannabinum Need?
Eupatorium cannabinum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Eupatorium cannabinum is native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. In cooler regions, grow Eupatorium cannabinum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Eupatorium cannabinum 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 Eupatorium genus — compare its care with other Eupatorium species on PlantoScan.
Eupatorium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Eupatorium cannabinum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eupatorium Species
Other Eupatorium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eupatorium formosanum Hayata, family Asteraceae (first published in J. Coll. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo 25(19): 122 (1908)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Eupatorium cannabinum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: James Ho, CC BY-SA 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Eupatorium cannabinum Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species