Plant Care Japanese Pagoda Tree

Japanese Pagoda Tree

About Japanese Pagoda Tree

Sophora japonica is a flowering tree in the pea family. It produces light shade, withstands heat, air pollution and drought, and makes a good street, park, or lawn tree. It has spiny coriaceous leaves with a spinose apex.

Taxonomy

Styphnolobium japonicum
Styphnolobium
Fabaceae
Fabales

Also known as

Pagoda tree, Japanese pagoda tree and Sophora japonica

How to care for Japanese Pagoda Tree

💦 Water

How often to water your Japanese Pagoda Tree

Water needs for Japanese Pagoda Tree
0.5 cups
every 9

Japanese Pagoda Tree needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Japanese Pagoda Tree

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Japanese Pagoda Tree in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Japanese Pagoda Tree: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Japanese Pagoda Tree love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Japanese Pagoda Tree does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Japanese Pagoda Tree in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Japanese Pagoda Tree

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Japanese Pagoda Tree: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Japanese Pagoda Tree after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Japanese Pagoda Tree is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

How to Grow Japanese Pagoda Tree →

Benefits of Growing Japanese Pagoda Tree →

Common Japanese Pagoda Tree Problems →

Outdoor Care Guide for Japanese Pagoda Tree →


💦 Water Needs

Japanese Pagoda Tree prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Japanese Pagoda Tree Water Frequency →

Japanese Pagoda Tree Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Japanese Pagoda Tree requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Japanese Pagoda Tree Light Requirements →

Japanese Pagoda Tree Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Japanese Pagoda Tree is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Japanese Pagoda Tree is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.


🪴 Soil

Japanese Pagoda Tree does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Japanese Pagoda Tree →

Best Pots for Japanese Pagoda Tree →

When and How to Successfully Repot Japanese Pagoda Tree →

What Are Healthy Japanese Pagoda Tree Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Japanese Pagoda Tree grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Japanese Pagoda Tree →


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Japanese Pagoda Tree grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Japanese Pagoda Tree Lifecycle →

Japanese Pagoda Tree Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Japanese Pagoda Tree →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Japanese Pagoda Tree, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Japanese Pagoda Tree

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Japanese Pagoda Tree


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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