Rice Paper Plant Plant Care

Rice Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Tetrapanax genus. Rice Paper Plant is native to eastern and central China and Taiwan. Rice Paper Plant is also known as Fatsia papyrifera, Aralia papyrifera.

Rice Paper Plant displays a large, tropical shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Rice Paper Plant produces creamy white panicles in late summer.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rice Paper Plant 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.

Rice Paper Plant thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Tetrapanax papyrifer tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Rice Paper Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Rice Paper Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rice Paper Plant 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 partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with added compost for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rice Paper Plant is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Rice Paper Plant can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Rice Paper Plant 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.

Rice Paper Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rice Paper Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.

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

Rice Paper Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Rice Paper Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Rice Paper Plant is native to eastern and central China and Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow Rice Paper Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.