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Varnish Tree

About Varnish Tree

The Tree of Heaven is a non-native invasive tree that has naturalized in many parts of the USSA and all areas of NC. The leaves are the best way to identify this tree as the large compound leaves have a glandular, notched base on each leaflet. It is reported to be invasive in natural areas in 30 states across the continental U.S. and Hawaii.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Ailanthus altissima

Genus

Ailanthus

Family

Simaroubaceae

Order

Sapindales

Also known as

Tree-of-Heaven, Tree-of-Heaven, Tree of heaven, Ailanthus, Varnish tree, Chouchun and Tree of hell

How to care for Varnish Tree

💦 Water

How often to water your Varnish Tree

Varnish 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.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Tree-of-Heaven in your home

Varnish Tree love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

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

Varnish Tree does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

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

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Varnish Tree

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Varnish 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 Varnish Tree after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Varnish Tree can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!

💦 Water Needs

Varnish 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.

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Varnish 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 🏡.

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

🪴 Soil

Varnish 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!

💩 Fertilizer

Varnish Tree is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

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

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Varnish Tree can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🧐 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.