Eleutherococcus sieboldianus — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Eleutherococcus sieboldianus

Eleutherococcus Sieboldianus

Updated · 9 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Eleutherococcus sieboldianus, the five-fingered aralia or fiveleaf aralia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. It is native to Anhui province in China, and has been introduced to Korea, Japan and the United States. A variegated form is available which only reaches 8 ft (2.4 m).

A note from PlantMom

Five-fingered aralia has good disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to diseases. Regarding care, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. Planted outdoors it needs little water, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Five-fingered aralia is suitable for anyone who has outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much experience in plant care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Eleutherococcus Sieboldianus.

Light

Five-fingered aralia performs best with steady, plentiful sunlight like that of its native habitat. It can tolerate moderate light, but this may slow its growth and make it look less vibrant. On the other hand, excessive light can scorch the leaves, while too little light will inhibit growth.

Water

Five-fingered aralia thrives in soil with moderate moisture, preferring consistent hydration without becoming waterlogged. Once established, it can tolerate drought but still benefits from weekly watering. To promote optimal growth, try to replicate its natural humidity levels. This will enhance both its ornamental appeal and overall health.

Temperature

Five-fingered aralia originates from temperate regions and does best in temperatures of 41 to 90 °F (5 to 32 ℃). The plant favors mild conditions. It's advisable to adapt the surrounding temperature as the seasons change, avoiding extreme climate conditions.

Fertilizer

Timing is essential for fertilizing Five-fingered aralia. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

Pruning

The five-fingered aralia features palmate leaves and benefits from pruning in early spring. To promote healthy growth, remove any dead branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Regular pruning helps control the plant's size and encourages new growth, enhancing its overall appearance. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to keep the plant healthy.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Eleutherococcus
Family
Araliaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
1.83 m to 2.44 m
Mature Spread
1.83 m to 2.44 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Fiveleaf aralia en Ginseng en Five-fingered aralia en Five-leaved aralia
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Five-fingered aralia plant?

To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant instead of spraying the leaves. If the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more water. You can use bubblers to moisten the roots of each plant individually or soaker hoses to cover the entire garden or bed when adding or removing plants, which helps the roots go deep. It's important to drain any excess water and let the soil dry before watering again. Watering at ground level is recommended to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, it can be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether the plant is potted or in the ground, keep in mind that Five-fingered aralia prefers deep watering instead of light sprinkling.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Five-fingered aralia?

No matter which type of Five-fingered aralia you have, regular fertilization is important for its overall health. Giving it the right nutrients will help it grow stronger and better withstand difficult growing conditions. It will also enhance its ability to resist diseases and pests. The foliage of the plant is particularly appealing, so it is crucial to maintain it. To achieve this, you should establish and stick to a regular fertilization schedule tailored to your specific Five-fingered aralia. This will encourage the development of vibrant, lush leaves.

How many hours of sunlight should Five-fingered aralia get each day to grow well?

To ensure the healthy growth of Five-fingered aralia, it needs to receive a minimum of 3-6 hours of sunlight per day. While most plants can thrive in both full sun and partial sun, Five-fingered aralia falls under the category of plants that can handle partial sun. These plants are more adaptable because they require less sunlight for photosynthesis compared to plants that need either full sun or partial shade.

What is the best temperature for Five-fingered aralia?

The Five-fingered aralia thrives best in temperatures ranging from 65℉ to 80℉ (18℃ to 27℃). During its primary growing phase, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 95℉ (35℃) and as low as 15℉ (-10℃). This species is capable of surviving freezing winters due to its tolerance for low temperatures. The recommended temperature range for this plant is as follows: - Perfect: 65℉ to 80℉ (18℃ to 27℃) - Highest: 85℉ to 95℉ (30℃ to 35℃) - Lowest: -5℉ to 15℉ (-20℃ to -10℃) or below.

What should I do if I give Five-fingered aralia too much or too little water?

An overwatered Five-fingered aralia may show signs such as yellowing, wilting, and dropping leaves. The plant may appear unhealthy with mushy stems. If you observe these signs, it's best to adjust your watering schedule. Wilting can also occur due to under watering, which is indicated by crispy and dry leaves. When the soil is dry and simply watering is not enough, give the plant a thorough watering. This will help the Five-fingered aralia recover, although it may still have dry and yellow leaves for a few days due to root damage. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will stop. When you have the Five-fingered aralia indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot. Avoid overwatering and be on the lookout for black spots. If you notice these spots, let the pot soil dry for a few days by refraining from watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so consider transferring the plant to a different pot if you see discolored and slimy roots. It's important to prevent root rot by ensuring the soil does not become overly soggy. When planting the Five-fingered aralia outdoors, dig a little deeper and check the soil moisture. If it feels too dry, it could mean underwatering, requiring adequate watering for plant recovery.

When should I fertilize my Five-fingered aralia?

To ensure the healthy growth of your Five-fingered aralia, it's recommended to fertilize it for the first time in late winter or early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for growth when the weather becomes warmer. If you live in a warm climate region, it can be beneficial to give your Five-fingered aralia another fertilizer feeding in early fall. This will not only provide additional nutrients for the following growing season, but also make the plant hardier and more capable of surviving the cold winter without foliage damage. Fertilizing earlier ensures that the new branches have enough time to grow and withstand the winter cold.

What kind of sunlight does Five-fingered aralia require?

Five-fingered aralia thrives in full or partial sun. It does well with direct morning light, but during summer it requires shielding from the intense afternoon sun. Too much hot afternoon sun can harm the plant's health and appearance, especially in temperate environments where the leaves may get scorched.

Do I need to change the temperature for Five-fingered aralia at different stages of growth?

Research has shown that when temperatures rise, especially during the development of axillary buds and growth of main shoots, Five-fingered aralia may experience stunted growth. To encourage vigorous growth after germination or transplanting, it is recommended to maintain consistent and cooler temperatures, around 65℉(18℃).

How frequently should I give water to my Five-fingered aralia?

The Five-fingered aralia prefers deep and infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. In pots, the soil dries out faster due to limited water storage, so it's recommended to water them with a gallon of water each time. In cold regions, watering every 3 to 5 days is necessary. Watering should be done in the morning when the soil is dry, whether the plant is indoors or outdoors. You can also check the soil inside the pot to determine if watering is needed. If the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it's time for a full watering. In hot weather, monitoring the moisture daily is important as the soil can dry out quickly. If you have a garden, irrigation is required too. In hot climates, watering once a week is sufficient, but only if the soil is 2 to 3 inches dry. If there is significant rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary to avoid root rot. Five-fingered aralia tends to grow during spring and fall. To conserve water when the plants are outdoors, adding mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep is recommended. Sandy soil drains faster, so more frequent watering is needed, whereas clay soil requires less frequent watering to prevent root rot. To track watering schedules, mark them on the calendar and be attentive to any drooping leaves, as it may indicate a need for watering.

When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Five-fingered aralia plants?

There are a few recommended times of the year to fertilize your Five-fingered aralia. Firstly, avoid fertilizing during the early and mid-winter months, as the plant will be dormant and does not require feeding. Additionally, it is not advisable to fertilize during the late spring and summer when the weather is hotter and drier. These conditions can negatively affect the plant's response to fertilization. To prevent any issues, it is best to stick to a fertilization schedule that involves feeding in early spring and early fall.

Can direct sunlight harm the Five-fingered aralia plant? How can I keep the Five-fingered aralia safe from sun and heat damage?

Moving a Five-fingered aralia plant from indoors to outdoors can result in sun damage. To prevent this, gradually transition the plant from a shaded area to a brighter spot. However, even acclimated plants can be harmed by extreme heat. During a heatwave, it is crucial to maintain consistent soil moisture to help the plants cope. To protect these sensitive plants during extreme weather, consider relocating them to shaded areas or covering them with a shade cloth.

How can I keep my Five-fingered aralia plant warm during cold seasons?

Five-fingered aralia can tolerate freezing temperatures when planted in the ground, as long as the area doesn't go below 15℉ (-10℃) during winter. However, if they are planted in pots or containers, their roots need to be shielded from the cold. To do this, wrap the container in a blanket or bring it indoors to provide complete protection from the weather.

ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.