Rice-paper plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer)

Also known as: Chinese rice paper plant

Tetrapanax papyrifer, commonly known as the Rice-paper plant, is a perennial tropical shrub. In warm regions, it develops into a substantial shrub with significant growth. Conversely, in cooler climates, it tends to die back during the winter months but has the capability to regrow from its roots when spring arrives.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Rice-paper plant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

3 m to 7 m

Spread

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

White Cream Yellow

Images of Rice-paper plant

Quickly Identify Rice-paper plant

Deeply-lobed, gray-green leaves with white, fine hairs

Creamy yellow-white flowers in large panicles up to 3 feet (90 cm)

Small round drupes with fleshy exterior and distinctive color

Leaves measuring 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) wide with star-like appearance

Cold hardy to at least 18 F (-7.8 C) and high salt tolerance

Scientific Classification of Rice-paper plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Carrots, ivies and allies

Family

Ivy

Genus

Tetrapanax

Species

Rice-paper plant

Planting and Growing of Rice-paper plant

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Rice-paper plant?

Tetrapanax papyrifer requires moderate watering. Typically, it needs about 500 milliliters of water. Water enough to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. The amount can be adjusted based on seasonal changes and the humidity of the growing environment.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Rice-paper plant? ›

What should I do if my Rice-paper plant is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Rice-paper plant? ›

How to save an overwatered Rice-paper plant? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Rice-paper plant?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

Tetrapanax papyrifer ideally thrives in partial sun, where it enjoys dappled light akin to its natural understory environment. The ideal light ensures robust growth with broad, healthy leaves and vigorous development.

What are ideal lighting conditions for Tetrapanax papyrifer? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting for Tetrapanax papyrifer? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Tetrapanax papyrifer? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Rice-paper plant?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

What is the ideal temperature for growing Tetrapanax papyrifer? The ideal temperature for Tetrapanax papyrifer lies between 65°F and 75°F. This temperature range supports healthy growth and ensures the plant's metabolic processes operate efficiently.

What Soil is Best for Rice-paper plant?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Tetrapanax papyrifer thrives in soil that retains moisture well without becoming waterlogged. Loam and sandy loam provide excellent water retention, ensuring the roots stay hydrated while preventing root rot, thus supporting vigorous growth. This plant prefers nutrient-rich soil to support its lush foliage. Organic matter mixed into the loam enhances nutrient availability, allowing for healthier leaves and more robust growth. While the soil should retain moisture, it must also drain well to prevent water from stagnating around the roots. Sandy loam achieves this balance, facilitating oxygen access to roots, thereby supporting a healthier root system.

How to Fertilize Rice-paper plant?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Tetrapanax papyrifer, it's important to apply a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilization. Typically, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid fertilizer per gallon of water is sufficient, ensuring the nutrients are not overwhelming.

How to Prune Rice-paper plant?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

To prune Tetrapanax papyrifer, start by removing dead or damaged leaves and stems. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts just above a leaf node. Trim back any excessively long stems to maintain the desired shape. Focus on creating a uniform canopy by balancing the distribution of foliage. If Tetrapanax papyrifer is becoming too large for its space, perform a more extensive pruning in early spring. Cut back the main stems by up to one-third to reduce size and encourage denser foliage. Be cautious not to over-prune, as the plant can become stressed if too much foliage is removed at once. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Rice-paper plant plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer

Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem for cuttings. The stem should be at least 6 inches long and free from any diseases or pests for optimal results in rooting.

Make a clean cut below a node using sharp pruning shears. Remove the lower leaves to reduce water loss and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting.

Insert the cut end of the stem into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Firm the soil around the stem and water thoroughly to ensure good soil-to-stem contact.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Rice-paper plant plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two years

Tetrapanax papyrifer should be repotted when you notice roots emerging from the drainage holes or when the plant demonstrates stunted growth. This indicates that the root system has become crowded in the current pot and needs more space to thrive. Spring or early summer is the best time, as the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly from the transplant shock.

When selecting a pot for Tetrapanax papyrifer, opt for one that is slightly larger than the current pot to provide room for root growth. Ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A pot with a width that matches the plant's height ensures better stability and support for this often top-heavy plant.

Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter for repotting Tetrapanax papyrifer. A mixture of peat, bark, and perlite can work wonders, allowing excess water to escape while retaining adequate moisture and nutrients. This soil type supports healthy root development and minimizes the risk of water-related problems.