Platanus-leaved Alangium
alangium platanifolium
Also known as: ["Japanese Alangium","Plane-leaved Alangium"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub native to East Asia, known for its large, maple-like leaves and small, white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Alangiaceae |
| Genus: | Alangium |
| Botanical Name: | Alangium platanifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering or in late winter/early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, with some protection from intense midday sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight if moving from indoors; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in intense summer sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH if growth issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers temperate conditions, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer before watering to prevent root burn; use organic options like compost for slow release; stop fertilizing in fall to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm, transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) and high humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix with added sand.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone to improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker branches), sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in shade for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, trim roots if necessary, water after repotting, adjust care temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf drop or dieback; frost can damage or kill young growth.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute if necessary, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and early summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlangium platanifolium is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a known risk of toxicity to felines through ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAlangium platanifolium is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAlangium platanifolium is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alangium platanifolium suitable for small gardens?
A: It can grow into a large tree, so it is best suited for larger landscapes.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate.
Q: Are the fruits of Alangium platanifolium edible?
A: The fruits are not typically consumed by humans and their edibility is not well-documented.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Alangiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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