Stinging Nettle Tree Plant Care

Stinging Nettle Tree (Urera expansa) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Urera genus. Stinging Nettle Tree is native to Jamaica. Stinging Nettle Tree is also known as Ortiga brava.

Stinging Nettle Tree displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Stinging Nettle Tree produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Stinging Nettle Tree 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.

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

Urera expansa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Stinging Nettle Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Stinging Nettle Tree every 6 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 with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Stinging Nettle Tree 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.

Stinging Nettle Tree 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 Stinging Nettle Tree 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.

Stinging Nettle Tree 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.

Stinging Nettle Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stinging nettle tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Stinging Nettle Tree 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.

Stinging Nettle Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Stinging Nettle Tree is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Stinging Nettle Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.