Tetrapanax papyrifer

Also Known As

Fatsia papyrifera
Tetrapanax papyriferus
Tetrapanax paypyrifer
Rice Paper Plant

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 6'-16'
W: 6'-15'

planting zones

7b-11

More Options

Tetrapanax papyrifer plant details

Tetrapanax papyrifer is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall white flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Tetrapanax papyrifer

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: araceae, araliaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 15 FT - wide, 6 FT - 16 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall
Uses: big leaves, container plant, cutting garden, exotic, houseplant, palmate, patio, screen, textural, tropical-looking, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Tetrapanax papyrifer

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tetrapanax papyrifer is known as rice paper plant or tong cao (??). It is a bold and stately subtropical shrubby or tree-like member of the aralia or ivy family with large, felted leaves up to 2-3 feet across on woody stems up to 10 or more feet tall. It has proven easily hardy in coastal BC. If mulched, it will usually prove ground hardy in zone 7 with stems dying back to the ground in winter and emerging fresh in spring. If kept in a greenhouse with some heat, plants can remain evergreen through the winter. Plants spread by underground rhizomes which can emerge some distance from the mother plant. Sprays of white flowers emerge in fall and are popular with bees.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Tetrapanax papyrifera is a great hardy tropical plant with tall stems and trunks. If grown in warm climates it can grow into a large tree. Here in zone 6 it grows 4 to 8 feet each year and dies back to the ground once winter hits. I recommend mulching the base of the trunks and only leaving out established plants. The foliage is large and green and deeply palmately lobed usually 1 to 2 feet across. The flowers are extremely odd on this species. Growing out in a gold brown fuzzy bracket above the foliage hundreds of small flowers are held in large clusters. Usually seen in warmer temps. Foliage: large green tropical leaves. Flowers: Flowers brown fuzzy odd. Height: 2 to 7 feet tall in cold climates 8 feet up in tropical.