Five Finger Plant Care

Five Finger (Neopanax arboreus) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Neopanax genus. Five Finger is also known as Seven Finger.

Five Finger displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Five Finger produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Five Finger 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.

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

Neopanax arboreus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Five Finger prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Five Finger to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Five Finger 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Five Finger is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Five Finger can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Five Finger 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.

Five Finger 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.

Five Finger can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to colenso's neopanax plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Five Finger is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Five Finger grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Five Finger as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.