How to Care for Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven)

Korean name: 가죽나무

The Tree of Heaven is a fast-growing deciduous tree commonly found in urban areas. It has long compound leaves, pale yellow flowers in summer, and winged seed pods. It is hardy and easy to care for, making it popular as an ornamental tree.

Key facts

• Category: Garden tree & shrub
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: China
• Growth rate: Fast
• Pets: Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.
• Traits: urban-tolerant, fast-growing, broad-leaf, ornamental
• Also known as: Tree of Heaven, Chinese Sumac

Care Guide

• Light: Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil dries out.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil.
• Humidity: Adapts to normal indoor humidity levels.
• Temperature: -10 to 30°C
• Fertilizer: Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Common questions

How often should you water Ailanthus altissima?

Water thoroughly when the soil dries out. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Ailanthus altissima?

It likes Tolerates full sun to partial shade.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Prefers well-drained soil..

Is Ailanthus altissima safe around pets?

Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.

Is Ailanthus altissima good for beginners?

Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around -10 to 30°C. Humidity: Adapts to normal indoor humidity levels.. Fertilise Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season..