Japanese daphne
daphniphyllum macropodum
Also known as: ["Japanese daphne","leatherleaf"]
Overview
A slow-growing evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green leaves and a bushy habit, native to East Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Daphniphyllaceae |
| Genus: | Daphniphyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Daphniphyllum macropodum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, slightly acidic potting mix with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 years or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade; adjust for stronger light in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent leaf burn; protect from direct sun; place in filtered light outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to dappled sunlight
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for indoor light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, rich, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Ensure good aeration, avoid compacted soil, maintain moisture balance.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–80°F (10–27°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Protect from drafts, maintain stable temps, avoid extreme heat/cold, use room temp water.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with leaf nodes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems, keep consistently moist, provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead/damaged growth, shape the plant, encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean pruners, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged parts, shape evenly, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove old soil, trim roots if needed, use fresh potting mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for soil refresh.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; avoid wetting the foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use peat moss for acidity.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or discoloration; vulnerable to frost damage below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); cease in fall–winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Daphniphyllum macropodum. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, which may be life-threatening without timely treatment.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Daphniphyllum macropodum can result in toxicosis due to the presence of alkaloids. These compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDaphniphyllum macropodum contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's leaves and seeds contain daphniphylline and related alkaloids, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms in humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast does Daphniphyllum macropodum grow?
A: It is a slow-growing plant, typically adding only a few inches per year.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate low light conditions.
Q: Is it suitable for container gardening?
A: While it can be grown in containers, it is best suited for garden beds due to its eventual size and slow growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Daphniphyllaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to dappled sunli |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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