Water
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in fall and winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Castor-Aralia · Castor-Leaved Aralia · Prickly Castor Oil Tree
Castor Aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus) is a large, deciduous tree native to East Asia, known for its palmate leaves and striking architectural form.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growing season, reduce in winter.
Loam, Sand, Clay, Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in fall and winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done to shape the tree and maintain desired size.
Avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the plant.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring, or from cuttings taken in summer. Seeds may require stratification. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining medium in a warm environment.
Repot young trees every 2-3 years in spring. Mature trees may only need repotting every 5 years. Use a well-draining potting mix and a slightly larger pot. This provides fresh nutrients and room for root growth.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Castor Aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus)
Where Castor Aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Kalopanax |
| Species | Kalopanax septemlobus |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data