Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during the dormant winter months.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Also known as Japanese Tallow Tree · Tallow Tree
Neoshirakia japonica is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to Japan, known for its attractive foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect light
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Regular watering
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Average room temperature
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Light feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks from spring to early autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Edible | No |
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 thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during the dormant winter months.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Prune to maintain desired shape and size, and to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavier pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This encourages vigorous new growth.
Neoshirakia can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
Alternatively, propagation can be done by seed sown in spring, though cuttings are generally more reliable for true-to-type plants.
Repot your Neoshirakia every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is best done in early spring before new growth starts.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Neoshirakia (Neoshirakia japonica)
Where Neoshirakia (Neoshirakia japonica) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Neoshirakia |
| Species | Neoshirakia japonica |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data