Photo: Jon SullivanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Tree Nettle Plant Care
Urtica ferox G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its large, serrated leaves covered in stinging hairs. Originating from New Zealand, Urtica ferox is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and rare status in cultivation. Its fierce stinging properties make it a fascinating addition to any botanical collection.
Every 3–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree Nettle?
Water Tree Nettle every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Tree Nettle Native To?
What Is the Tree Nettle?
Tree Nettle (Urtica ferox) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Urtica genus. Tree Nettle is native to New Zealand. Tree Nettle is also known as Ongaonga.
Tree Nettle displays a spreading herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tree Nettle produces small greenish flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree Nettle?
Urtica ferox requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tree Nettle Need?
Tree Nettle thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Nettle Prefer?
Urtica ferox grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tree Nettle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Nettle?
Rich, moist soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Tree Nettle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Nettle?
Feed Tree Nettle 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 Tree Nettle?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Tree Nettle?
Tree Nettle can be propagated through seeds, division of roots, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stinging nettle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree Nettle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets
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 Tree Nettle?
Tree Nettle is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. 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 Tree Nettle Need?
Tree Nettle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Tree Nettle is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Tree Nettle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tree Nettle 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 Urtica genus — compare its care with other Urtica species on PlantoScan.
Urtica is part of the Urticaceae plant family — browse all Urticaceae genera and species.
Tree Nettle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Urtica Species
Other Urtica species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Urtica ferox G.Forst., family Urticaceae (first published in Fl. Ins. Austr. : 66 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Tree Nettle is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jon Sullivan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — 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.
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