Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season, especially in warmer weather.
Reduce watering in the fall as the plant begins to go dormant, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Podophyllum delavayi, Delavay's Chinese Mayapple, is a striking woodland perennial with large, attractive, mottled leaves and nodding, white to pinkish flowers followed b
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Shade
25% intensity
Thrives in dappled shade or full shade. Protect from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting it dry out completely.
Humus-rich, well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost. Protect from extreme heat and winter freezes if grown in exposed conditions.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light Feeding
25% intensity
A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. Compost is a good organic option.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic. Contains podophyllotoxin.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season, especially in warmer weather.
Reduce watering in the fall as the plant begins to go dormant, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late fall after the leaves have yellowed and died back. This helps prevent fungal diseases. No significant structural pruning is typically required for this species.
Deadhead spent flowers if desired for aesthetic reasons.
Best propagated by division of rhizomes in early spring before new growth appears. Carefully separate healthy sections of the rhizome, ensuring each piece has at least one bud.
Replant immediately in well-draining, humus-rich soil.
As Podophyllum delavayi is a rhizomatous perennial, repotting is generally only needed when the plant becomes overcrowded, typically every 2-4 years. This is best done in early spring before new growth emerges, using a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Delavay's Chinese Mayapple (Podophyllum delavayi)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Podophyllum |
| Species | Podophyllum delavayi |
Similar in genus Podophyllum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data