Giant T-Rex Plants! Growing Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex' in your Tropical Garden

Today's video is all about growing one of the coolest and most visually impressive hardy plants with big architectural leaves and fast growth perfect for your UK tropical and jungle style garden - Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex', the Chinese Rice-Paper tree. These awesome 'T-Rex' plants are an amazing addition to any garden and make a fantastic specimen plant over a few short years. I look at planting size, growth rate, watering and feeding tips and winter care / protection plus the best spot to plant yours to take full advantage of the giant leaves and reduce it's potential suckering / pup habit. Personally I grow a few different varieties currently including the 'standard' papyrifer, 'Rex' and 'Steroidal Giant'.
In colder areas, these plants can potentially die back to ground level then reshoot from the roots but for most of the UK these are a hardy, if deciduous plant. These are amazing foliage plants, like a giant Fatsia Japonica or Ricinus - with huge divided leaves nearly as big as a Gunnera but held up on a sturdy stem - definitely a fantastic tropical look plant choice for your garden! I didn't mention it in the video, but the dust from under the leaves can cause minor throat irritation when disturbed so try not to breathe it in when you're working around the plant. I've put links to the fertilisers and plant feeds I use plus the Tetrapanax Growers Facebok group below:
FB group - great for ID purposes and finding out if you Tetrapanax is one of the special forms "Di-Su-Shan" "Empress", "Meifeng" "Rex" or "Steroidal Giant" - or even just the common Papyrifer which is still an impressive plant: / 344263383237430
Budget Liquid Seaweed Fertiliser (Great for a lot of 'tropical' style plants)
amzn.to/3cZofLn
Another brand with good reviews I've used in the past:
amzn.to/3mET0c1
20kg Chicken Manure Pellets, a great 'slow release' fertiliser for massive summer growth!
amzn.to/3sZAj4R
Tomato feed, perfect for Cannas etc:
amzn.to/2TZ02hq
Vitax 6X Fertiliser, I use this alongside or instead of the above to boost the growth of big leaved plants like Tetrapanax, bananas etc.
amzn.to/2Q3prVg
0:00 Intro
0:25 Growing Tetrapanax for giant leaves and tropical effect!
2:20 Tetrapanax forms - is yours a Rex?
3:43 Tetrapanax Buying and Planting Tips
4:22 Young Tetrapanax Winter Care
5:19 Tetrapanax Hardiness and Winter Protection
6:17 Tetrapanax Forms and Growth Rate
7:35 Tetrapanax Suckering Habit
8:36 How much space does Tetrapanax take up?
9:29 - Tetrapanax Sun / Shade Requirements
10:21 Tetrapanax Soil, Watering and Feeding Care Requirements
If you've enjoyed my content and would like to say thanks for the price of a coffee then please head over to my Ko-fi, any kind donations would be appreciated and put towards creating more exciting content (or treats for Max if you wish!): ko-fi.com/georgesjunglegarden​
Thanks,
George

[@nickyfenton6538]

Be careful if cutting this plant, as I've heard the tomentum is an irritant. Wear a mask and gloves!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Good point Nicky and one I added to the description after uploading the video, it definitely gives you a sore throat so something to avoid!

[@GrowTropicalMK]

Such an exciting plant. I am so looking forward to the runners :-)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed! Be careful what you wish for...

[@doreencremer]

Thanks George....you give a fabulous amount of advice that just rolls off the tongue because you have the experience and it's easy to follow your tips because of it. Looking forward to seeing the garden tour later this summer. Also my tetrapanax is pushing out pups and I'm delighted because they grow well in my garden and will create that all important canopy that you talk about. Also I do like your cheeky smile as you give us all this wonderful information.....I think it must be your lovely wife behind the camera. Well done

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Doreen and I really appreciate the feedback! This was actually one of the first videos I didn't really plan so it definitely helps having a plant I really enjoy growing myself. Great to hear yours is pushing up pups, I did this video from the point of view that people might not want them doing it but it's definitely a positive in my eyes! I don't want to ruin the magic but the camera is actually just on a tripod so I'm really pleased a bit of personality comes through! Thanks for watching and all the best with your garden this year.

[@mikemekong290]

Well done again! I'm planting my 1st T Rex today thought I'd check the best way to do it like soil ,posision and general care, George you explained it clearly and gave the info needed not to much waffling😊 its a big help for us beginners,,,,,Thanks mekong

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! I'm pleased to hear it was helpful and hit the key points you wanted to know about. Good luck with yours - they really are amazing plants!

[@barrymcgee2078]

Great advice as always George. Got to get me one of these

[@DJSupaflyguy]

👌👌👌👌Thanks for the top tips

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No worries, thanks for watching! They’re amazing plants 😃

[@patlawrence7583]

Really good video- very informative and right to the point. Helped tremendously with my tetrapanax

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Pat and pleased to hear it!

[@Vatierville]

Really useful video ... Can't wait to see how mine grows 😊😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, good luck with it!

[@TropicalGardening]

Great video! THE plant for a tropical garden 😀👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Definitely, they’re certainly one of the most amazing and dramatic yet tough plants we can grow here! 😃

[@milkweeddreams8828]

Seriously...I totally just bought a Fatsia Japanica at the nursery today, it was $40.00 in a 5 in pot, I hesitated...but...then come home to your program, geez can't wait to plant, great info...yer killin' me...lol...!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha nice one, I hope it grows well for you 😃

[@B4dlands]

Some great advice i will be applying to my recently acquired Tetrapanax - now i want another!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much and get one bought! Haha!

[@caroldockery4514]

thank you , ive got a tropical garden I love your confidence and your all the information

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Carol! That’s very kind of you, all the best with your garden this year 😃

[@yvetteclayton3773]

Hi George, yet another plant to add to my Wanted list..... off to the garden center for me then lol.... thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Yvette and that sounds like a great idea, they certainly bring the drama!

[@yeahivekilledthat719]

Thank you for giving so much good information and care tips on tetrapanax. I was given one two years ago and it's really starting to take off.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s excellent and thanks, good luck with it and I hope it grows really well for you! 😃

[@jazzsayin8435]

Awesome video. Awesome channel. New favorite

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry, I did reply to this but it's disappeared! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@emmagunston446]

Beyond excited to have won one of these from you George, thanks so much! Great to hear that they are easy going, there's hope for me yet! 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

You’ll be fine with them I’m sure - they’ll shoot up next year for definite! 😃

[@Roddersville]

Fantastic advice George ….I’ve subscribed !👍🏻😁

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Rod, I appreciate it! 😃

[@o000omusico000o]

Great vid as usual George ,i cant wait to see how they will look 5/10 years down road in your garden and mine :) i love Tetrapanax the more in my garden the better,

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you! Yes, that’s something I’m really looking forward to seeing too, the whole garden atmosphere will change when our gardens have a lot of tall ones!

[@21cresidente]

Very helpful video pal .. Cheers

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@nazminnarine7901]

Very informative George. Keep smiling. Best Wishes.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, you too Nazmin!

[@colinwilson7134]

Hi George, yet another great video and you make it so easy to understand these Tropical plants 🌱 as you know my T-Rex arrived last week and I have been keeping a close eye on him and he is doing okay so far 🤞🤞 keep the brilliant videos coming mate, your a natural at them 👏👏 you may have to give up your day job one day mate 👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha thanks Colin, I really appreciate it! Great to hear yours is growing well!

[@krell2026]

One thing to watch and bear in mind is this beast will try to colonise, new pups pop up at random from runners, even in the middle of other plants which can be troublesome. Just wise to keep an eye out. New pups/plants that can be dug up with no damage can be kept in a greenhouse over winter to replace any that die outside. Stunning plant and a winner in every way.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true Andrew and good point about the backup plants.

[@krell2026]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Just to add, when pups do appear let them grow to about 4 inches and they will tend to pull up in one piece, any younger and they snap and can regrow. If you want to keep plants for backup let them grow in situ until they reach 12 inches and/or two decent size leaves, there will be a new root stock growing at this point. Probably best to dig up rather than pull out atthis stage.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@krell2026 Thanks - that seems to be the general consensus from what I've heard - better to wait and get a better chance of survival I guess!

[@TheOmegaman1911]

Your blog and presentation is superb!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Bryan, that's very kind of you to say so!

[@lawn38]

I bought my first T Rex last year and kept it in a pot all winter, planted it out in May and it’s romping away with huge leaves! Have to say it’s my favourite plant at the moment and can’t wait until it’s grown a good sized trunk. Thanks for the info….

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry, I did reply to this but it's disappeared! Great to hear it's growing well for you and your patience was rewarded!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Very good as always George. A great tropical schooling👍. I need to check out the tetrapanax growers group so I can tell the differences between the varieties. Cheers 👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you, tried to make it logical and thorough! I'm no expert on the ID side of things so it's a good job they all look awesome!

[@johnsloan9466]

Great video as usual mate. I need to get myself a T-Rex now 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry, I did reply to this but it's disappeared! Thank you very much and you definitely do!

[@oldgold5848]

Its looking like another one for the list. My ricinus are still sulking George, although I was late germinating them.. My roscoeas are just starting to flower, looking good.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Get it on the list! My Ricinus are slow too this year, we've not had the consistent warmth and sun they really need to kick start their growth. Hopefully things change from next week!

[@tedscott1478]

Great video again. I was wondering how to get my T.Rex to throw out suckers, it hasn't done since I planted it 3 or 4 years ago and I've got a space set aside for another one. Now I know how encourage it thanks👍👍👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry, I did reply to this but it's disappeared! Thanks Ted and for some reason comments you leave on other videos disappear before I can reply to them too, must be some KZbin issue. I did the video thinking about reassuring people they're not 'too' invasive but as it was processing I did think a lot of people will want it to send up more! Good luck and root cuttings are another great way to propagate them.

[@zullyozorio8597]

Hermoso tu jardín grandes lugar 😍🌳☘🌴🌿🌺🌹🐦👍❤😍 desde Paraguay bendiciones

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Muchísimas gracias 😀

[@truth-hurts3089]

I bought a big one last autumn. Managed to kill it unfortunately. I think they like well drained soil and the roots are susceptible to rot if roots aren't well developed. Lesson learned. Really looking forward to the full tour video😍 The recent arguments on a particular fb group about unrooted cuttings as you mention have been enlightening.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Oh dear, that's a shame, I hope you manage to get another one to try in a different spot. Thanks, obviously the garden is far from finished but I've tried to get the middle section something like this year. I saw the post referring to that conversation but missed / avoided the drama in all honesty!

[@margaretclare1003]

New to your videos George - and wishing I'd found them sooner! My Tetrapanax is in the ground, but last year I dug it up, put it in a pot and into my heated g/house. It was ok of course, but it's now three years old, has a trunk about a metre tall, not much of a girth but the main problem is that I'm just not getting huge leaves. Having listened to this video I think that's down to erratic feeding on my part [I use Seasol which is brilliant on everything]. So I'll try that next year. I'm leaving it put this winter as you suggest and see what happens. Many thanks for a great tutorial video!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Margaret and no worries! At least you kept it safe last year, hopefully it’ll size up well next year now it’s settled in! 😃 Thanks for watching!

[@Bee-io3id]

This is the plant that I just had to have so I popped to my local Jungle plant supplier - Desert to Jungle in May a got myself one a similar size to the one in your giveaway, really excited to know that it’s going to size up quickly, it’s already put on 3 new leaves not massive yet but definitely getting there and I love it so much I think I need a second one to go near my pond. Your great advice helped me to know how to care for it and stop worrying that it won’t make it through winter. Keep up the great advice it’s giving me the confidence to expand my tropical garden 🤩

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much - that's where I got the one I gave away from too. It must be handy / expensive to be local to there with so many amazing plants! I'm sure it'll soon size up and yes, as soon as they're got a woody plant they seem to be very tough. Great to hear you're expanding your tropical planting!

[@Bee-io3id]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden it’s impossible to leave without a purchase😅 that’s the rules apparently at least that’s what I told Mr A he said he would just phone and check but I told him there phone was out of order so I think I got away with it😉

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@Bee-io3id It sounds like you did! I can’t blame you, so many amazing plants!

[@davidmackie7473]

Another good video George, still debating if I should get one but think it may just be to big for my Postage Stamp garden but still tempted.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks David! Completely up to you if you've got the right spot you can wedge it into!

[@Templeflower8909]

Would love to see a video on growing these beauties from seed, however did enjoy this one thanks.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Daz. I've never grown them from seed, it's a lot easier from root cuttings but I believe it's crucial the seeds are fresh.

[@katspray]

Hoping to get a T Rex on Tuesday. Its the final piece of a tropical themed garden I started in April this year.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, good luck with it!

[@ironian24]

Great video as usual, may I ask where I can buy the largest leaf plant, are there any suppliers around where I can but the plant?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Rex is bigger but they're all cool plants, I'd probably go to Desert to Jungle for one or join the Tetrapanax growers group on FB as there's often links to sales on there.

[@angelacollins3864]

Great video so informative. I have finally managed to track down a nursery which sells these. Received my plant today. I am planning to keep it inside overwinter. But should I repot it now? I have watered it but the water is going straight through the pot and compost it came in?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you and nice one! I guess it depends on the size of the pot it’s in now compared to the plant really, if it’s got room to grow and isn’t rootbound I’ll leave it in it for now.

[@jameshorton8404]

I just got a Rex and its sort of Inbetween your examples in size so I'm still nervous of planting it out. Anyway cheers for the video much appreciated. You always seem to know the answers to what I need to know.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry, I did reply to this but it's disappeared! If I knew it was going to be a warm second half to summer and mild winter I'd definitely say go for it but it's completely your decision. There's nothing wrong with keeping it potted and giving it a bit more TLC this year though.

[@jameshorton8404]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden cheers buddy. That was the words of wisdom I needed🙂 keep up the good work.

[@nicoleormrod4307]

Another great video George , thanks , would a 2 x 2 x 2 ft bottomless planter restrict growth

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Nicole. Potentially but hopefully not much, definitely worth a go!

[@dawnlightfoot2966]

I can’t find any information about what is eating my plant, it’s the Rex form, my plant is just over a foot, healthy, growing well but every leaf apart from the 2 newest has been attacked and eaten by something, how can I protect it?

[@kevincahalan9994]

Hi George Another great post, I bought a small one last summer which arrived in poor condition I repotted and over wintered it, still dosn’t look great but planted out 3 weeks ago but not looking happy. Should I leave it or lift and repot

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Kevin and thanks. I remember replying to this comment but it's disappeared, how is your plant looking?

[@thomaskrell3379]

Hi George, I just read that Tetrapanax builds runners all across the garden! Not as bad as bamboo but still might require a solid root barrier. What is your experience? I personally have 2 small plants in my garden right now and I wonder if I might put them in large pots in the ground. What do you recommend? Thanks as lot for your help! Thomas

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Thomas, Tetrapanax certainly does have the potential to sucker, not quite in the same way as bamboo and a lot easier to remove, but something to be aware of for sure. It's far more likely with papyrifer than 'Rex' but after a cold winter like this past one, even 'Rex' can do the same. I suspect it's going to be more likely in colder areas and if the plants are smaller when the cold hits. If suckering is potentially going to be a major issue where they are, I'd probably consider using root barrier as using a pot will really restrict the plant's growth and may not contain it as well.

[@ThePodiceps]

Hey George, great again. Can you show us your variaties in more detail? Thanx!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thank you! In all honesty you’re better off checking out the FB group, there’s better examples and people far more knowledgeable on Tetrapanax ID differences there than me! When mine have sized up a bit more the differences will become more apparent but I started off from small plants again after the move.

[@peterfawcett9969]

Thank you for the prog and really good information. I have managed to get hold of a small plant. I have also sown seed I bought from France (don't know how I did that with EU restrictions ? ) I've sown them three ways . Seed sown and placed in the fridge for a month. Then sown in John Innes seed compost with added vermiculite. Finally sown in a 50/50 mix of J I seed compost and Perlite. I think I have 3 seedlings in the latter. So it's all to try for.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you for watching Peter and the helpful info! I wouldn't pretend to know the full ins and outs of EU restrictions but great that you've got some seeds and that they're viable too! I'd be interested in hearing how you get on with the other batches too, good luck with them.

[@peterfawcett9969]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Hi George. I germinated 12 seedlings of Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Steroidol giant'. I got ten seedlings from 50/50 John Innes/ Perlite. And two from straight John Innes seed compost. I pricked them out today 4th August 2021. * I have a video of them on my KZbin channel. Regards Peter Fawcett.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@peterfawcett9969 Hi Peter, that’s fantastic, I’ll check the video out soon 😃

[@reddems]

At what temperature will it die back to the ground, i don't mind it losing leaves in winter but I certainly don't want to lose the trunk

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Emma, It's hard to give an exact temperature but in all honesty they don't like protection and will get too big for it anyway in a matter of years if they're planted out. If it's got a good sized trunk and it does lose the very tip it'll very likely sprout out very close to it and by mid-summer you won't notice a difference. I keep smaller potted plants in a polytunnel to keep them out of the worst cold while they're younger.

[@LittleMiska31]

Hi George, I am loving growing Tetras and have several in about their 3rd year. I am growing them in large plastic dustbins so I can move them out of the wind. Theyve all done really well until this year when the lower leaves seem to be wilting. I was watering them alot in the hot weather as they usually seem quite thirsty but then I wondered if I could be harming them, do you think it could be too much chlorine in the tap water, would the prefer rainwater? I would very very sad to loose them. Maybe the roots are so big now that they are not happy to be contained, perhaps I should set them free, although Im a little worried about the runners taking over as Ive seen in other videos....your advice would be much appreciated thankyou : )

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, sorry for the late reply! All plants will prefer rainwater but I suspect the issue is what you think - that the plants have filled their containers or aren’t getting enough of what they need in there. You see it a lot with mature palms in pots, they can’t develop a big enough root system to support a lot of leaves so the lower ones yellow prematurely. Maybe up the watering and feeding while it’s warm and see if they respond to it any better? They can spread in the ground but plants are variable and it generally seems to be linked to either the main trunk or roots being damaged.

[@garymcewan4540]

I just bought a tetrapanax and it's just small, no real trunk as such, more like the 2nd one in this video. I bought it from big plant nursery. I dont have a greenhouse or polytunnel and don't want the plant to die overwinter. I have a spot that I want to plant it in, (its fairly sheltered) but given that it's October and I live in Central Scotland (next to Glasgow) I thought maybe that it wouldn't survive. I have emailed big plant nursery about it, but they haven't responded. Anyway, in your experience would I be better overwintering the plant inside my house on South facing window cill, or plant out, with heavy mulch? I have watched a number of your videos and am a big fan. Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Gary

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Gary and thank you very much, apologies for the delayed reply. If it was a mild winter, it would be happier in the ground, if it was a colder one, it would struggle - the tricky part being not knowing! I'd personally keep it inside, in a cool conservatory or wherever you can - don't water it too much and encourage rapid weak growth but equally you don't want it to completely dry out. I think that's the safest bet if the polytunnel and greenhouse options aren't available.

[@geesgardeningclubuk5247]

Just sewed 5 seeds, fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, good luck!

[@NessysSanctuary]

I have just moved it took me awhile but i finally found out what i have and yours is the first video i came across to find out more. The problem i am having is i know it the right name but mine is like a jungle the leaves a huge bigger than a human i cant even see my back garden its that big how can i put them in pots without killing them?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and apologies for the delayed reply. Larger plants don't tend to transplant too well but are there any smaller plants shooting up from the ground?

[@futurelisting]

Hi .. I live in the North East of the united states and purchased seeds , When I received the seeds they arrived as very small specks not identifying as what I have seen. In other reference guides ( You tube videos) The seeds look like little black peppercorn pods? I feel like I have been sold something that is not going to germinate? Can any one help or answer this question?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I haven't grown Tetrapanax from seed personally but hopefully somebody else with experience will chime in. They're definitely larger than specs though and probably a larger peppercorn pod is a good description - if you have a look on Google images you'll see. I'd definitely say that they'll germinate best sown fresh but it might be worth joining the Tetrapanax growers group on Facebook for more info and tips.

[@jondi1115]

Hi, have you grown from seed? I have 5 seeds I'm hoping to start off soon on my kitchen window sill .Any tips welcome. Ta

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I haven't unfortunately, I've only ever propagated from root cuttings. From what I've heard it's important they're fresh so I'd get them in ASAP - sorry I can't offer any more specific help!

[@susanmills8628]

Hi George love your videos and knowledge I’m new to tropical gardening I’ve got a T. rex about 12iinch in a pot kept it all winter but starting to look sorry for it self shall I put in garden I’ve got clay soil .😩 would welcome advice.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Susan and thank you very much. Yes, I'd probably risk planting it out now. The best thing you can do is dig a good bit of organic matter (soil improver / farmyard manure etc) into the soil and add some as a mulch when you've planted it. Make sure you water it in well and hopefully it'll really take off growing over the next month!

[@susanmills8628]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thank you soo much you have a lot of knowledge next thing is we’re I plant it 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@susanmills8628 I don't know about that Susan but you pick things up over time (and by making mistakes!). They're quite happy in most spots where the soil isn't too dry really, just make sure you leave enough room for those huge leaves!

[@kimcampbell8480]

Hi George. My T Rex of about 5 years old has a woody stem and is solid but is not showing any signs of growing yet? We hade a severe winter when we had snow and ice for about a week solid. It has always been so reliable. I know we are are having a colder May so what do you think? I am in the South East . Many thanks in advance.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Kim, unfortunately some of mine are the same and I can’t say definitively at this stage whether or not they’ll have made it. Like you’ve identified, we had a colder winter which will have set them back, potentially killing growing points and it’s been a cooler spring so far which will further delay things. I’m starting to see pics on social media of other people’s trunks starting to sprout from lower down so I’d hope given the maturity of your plant and your location it will show some life over the next month. Fingers crossed for you!

[@user-dg4zt6kp8b]

Hi George, hreat video. How would I know when buying a T-Rex it is a Rex? Do you know of any suppliers I could get one from? Thanks Debora

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Debora and thanks, there are differences like how divided the leaves are but personally I'd stick to either exotic garden specialist suppliers (Pan Global, Desert to Jungle etc where you should get the real deal) or maybe join the Tetrapanax growers group on Facebook where generally speaking most put up for sale are 'Rex' otherwise they will get other growers calling them out!

[@steverichardson4374]

Glad iv moved my one good information as allway bud

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Steve and you chose the perfect time to do it before a cooler, wetter week.

[@steverichardson4374]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden what's happening with the weather got loads two do . But the plants will be happy

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@steverichardson4374 Me too Steve! It looks like better things on the way after this time next week but it needs to, we'll be half way through July!

[@steverichardson4374]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden fantastic news bean a hard year .did you get that massive 🪴in the ground yet

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@steverichardson4374 It has indeed! Hopefully this weekend!

[@phil3332]

Would you get bigger/ larger leaf's if it has just one trunk or is it the same for muti-stems

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It’s usually younger plants that have the bigger leaves (definitely proportionately), I suspect the leaves might be smaller on a branched specimen or if multiple plants are close together. It’s not something I’d worry about that, I’d let the plant develop how it wants to. I don’t think they’re like a paulownia where just having one growing point really impacts the leaf size.

[@skajdius8056]

Hey George, I have managed to get some fresh tetrapanax seeds, any advice on geminating them, (are they easy to grow from seed)as i can find very little on growing them from seed? thanks :)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and nice one! To be honest I've not grown them from seed myself so I'd be tempted to do some searching on the Tetrapanax Growers group on FB for info. Personally I'd guess they don't like being planted too deep and need to be kept warm, not allowed to dry out and in a bright place but I guess you could say that for a lot of seeds! Sorry I can't help specifically but please let me know how you get on and any tips you learn on the way. Good luck!

[@skajdius8056]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Ive only brought them as seeds, as I'm way too impatient to wait for the plants to come into the nurseries lol, ill let you know how i get on, thanks for the advice! :)

[@N000-reply]

Do you know if the roots of the tetrapanax grow big or do they stay the size of similar size shrub?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Chris and apologies for my delayed reply. They do spread quite far. Going off the pups on my smaller plants, I'd say they definitely have the potential to go to 3x to 5x the height of the plant outwards. They're not hugely dense or anything but the potential to pup isn't just limited to 1m from the plant and will extend as it grows.

[@davidbanner9001]

My kingdom, my kingdom for a T-Rex. I should of entered your competition, I can't get one anywhere. If and when I ever get one, I was thinking of getting a 100l pot and cutting the bottom off and burying that in the ground to stop suckers? Well until I convince the other half to get rid of the lawn.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry to hear that, head over to the Turn it Tropical FB page - I think they'll have some small plants available soon. That could work but I imagine it may grow out the bottom eventually. That being said it's worth a go, should definitely slow the suckering down without the growth being too affected.

[@Nik-xb4pm]

Been looking for one of these all this year, cant find anywhere, any idea where I would be able to get hold of one?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Nikki, I think Turn it Tropical will be selling some small plants soon, so check out their FB page!

[@s.v.s.6926]

Great video! How do i take a cutting from this plant? Thanks.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! To be honest I’m not sure you can but they propagate very easily from root cuttings so that’s definitely worth a go!

[@jeanettekruger6577]

Liquid seaweed is also found in Poundland.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s very true, B&M etc keep it too 😃

[@russellhamblin1659]

Hi.i am growing a tetrapanax in a 4ft high× 3ftr pot approx 600 ltr in a mediterranean stone slabbed garden . The pot has 7 /8 bags ov high quality mature plant compost plus 3/5 farmyard manure..the plant is about 3 ft high fantastic leaves this year . Trunk just begining to form about 12 inches high is quit thick . I can,ot put in the ground .how long,in your opinion will the plant last be fore i have to bust out and buy a bigger pott .or will it die not being able to put out suckers .russell .cambridgeshire

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Russel, it’ll actually grow for quite a long time in that pot and it’s always tricky repotting anything that size that doesn’t create a solid rootball so I’d enjoy it while it’s in that pot. It’ll certainly get big but they’re not plants that particularly enjoy pot culture so it probably won’t grow quite as fast or big as one in the ground. It’ll be exciting to see how big you can get it in a monster pot like that though!

[@fsx-toys376]

Hello all, just looking for a bit of advice…. I recently got one similar size to the one in the orange pot…. It’s growing a new leaf but one of the main leaves have started to go blackened/ blotchy, the other leaves look okay, does anyone know why this might be? Ps; thank you very much George for your fantastic channel & very informative info:0)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, the good news is that it's perfectly normal, most likely a reaction to the cold or frosts. As soon as things warm up more consistently I'm sure it'll grow away well for you. Thank you very much for watching and I've got loads of videos planned for this year I hope you enjoy too!

[@fsx-toys376]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden you’re an absolute star! Thank you very much… looking forward to seeing your garden adventures this summer!!

[@elf9967]

I’ve had my t-Rex about 6 years now . It looks a lovely healthy plant generally with very large leaves but has begun to grow quite a few odd / different shaped leaves last year and this year . It also has other leaves to these that have a mottled look and feel more cabbage like . Any ideas what’s going on ? It’s growing well and gets plenty of sun/ water . Been in the same position in flower bed for 6 years now.

[@bobcharlie7982]

I have spiders that live in the new leaves. They close them shut with con webs and it makes them grow funny. I have to evict the spiders every week or so haha

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@bobcharlie7982 Oh really, that’s interesting! I was expecting something like that too. It’s hard to think it would be a soil or nutrition issue if the plant has been in 6 years so my thought was some kind of damage in the leaf formation stage too.

[@elf9967]

@@bobcharlie7982 I will look for spiders . 😳 🕷 Thank you 😊 Any idea on the cabbage type variated leaves . ? They are different to the irregular shaped ones . Thanks for all advice 😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@elf9967 Have you tried posting a pic in the FB group, somebody else might have experience with it and it's always easier with a pic!

[@joezimmerman1089]

sometimes late frosts or aphids attacking new shoots can cause that, happens on fatsia a lot

[@robertcornelius8056]

Hi George , I have one in a pot , can I plant it in the garden even now?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Robert, personally I’d keep it potted in a greenhouse / polytunnel or inside depending on how big it is. I’d wait til spring now we’re at this stage 👍

[@robertcornelius8056]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thanks George

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@robertcornelius8056 No worries, thanks for watching!

[@colette2851]

Thank you for your very informative video.Have just bought the rex variety - am not agreat gardener but thi splant sounds like it will survive even me!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for watching Colette! Yes, in the right spot they’re very tough and pretty incredible plants! Good luck 😂

[@marycummins5384]

I'm growing two in very large pots although I have also planted on in the ground I give them plenty of chicken pellets. They seem to be all growing well . I have put them in a shaded sheltered spot as they didn't seem to like full sun !

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic Mary! A bit of shade will be just fine, they should be able to handle sun once their root system gets more established but as long as they get a bit of moisture over summer they'll be fine.

[@maple494]

can tetrapanax grow in zone 6? i googled and it said that its hardy to zone 8 but then i also find people who grow them in zone 6 (some say that it is supposedly root-hardy to zone 6 and wont get tall here)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Whilst I don’t have any direct experience I’d say the last point would be correct, I imagine you’d be better off growing one in a pot until it’s a couple of feet high then planting it out in May so it has the best possible chance. I suppose it depends on the severities of the winters you experience over the next few years but if you can get hold of one at a reasonable price it’s worth a go!

[@joezimmerman1089]

Root hardy when mature, treat it as a perennial. Mulch well before first frost

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@joezimmerman1089 Great tips Joe!

[@philipbeadle2387]

HI George, what do you suggest regarding pruning?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Philip, I suppose there aren't really any hard and fast rules from what I'm aware, they should sprout back just below wherever you cut it. I'm not sure on the best time but I imagine late spring.

[@philipbeadle2387]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden HI George, thanks for the feedback. Got my TRex last summer so its not massive yet. I think I will leave it to do its thing for a few years. Its currently having a growning race with a ricinus communis.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@philipbeadle2387 I definitely would. The Ricinus might pass it this August but the T-Rex will win the long game!

[@marvin4346]

Hey George :) what's the name of the plant in your background. It looks very jungle-ish as well 😍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Marvin, it could be the Dicksonia Antartica tree ferns or giant Gunnera Manicata leaves, they both have that jungle vibe for sure!

[@jackdavid167]

Was hoping to see one 😢

[@simonsmith1198]

Where can I buy one. A tetrapamex that is

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Simon, personally I’d probably try Desert to Jungle, Turn it Tropical or Big Plant Nursery this year 👍

[@estherterrier6400]

My poor rex suffered in the late frosts, it tried to grow 3 times and got knocked back 3 times, lost the growing tip 🙄 it does have side shoots coming but it's painfully slow,but our weather in Cornwall is just horrible this year ,need some constant sunshine. 😏

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry, I did reply to this but it's disappeared! Mine got knocked back too, it was definitely a rough year for them to start growing! Hopefully a few weeks of warmth and they'll be romping away though!

[@estherterrier6400]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden yes I saw your first reply, you tube are notorious for deleting comments, thanks for answering, and hoping for better weather 😏

[@RACHEL-pu9gf]

Can you restrict the growth so it doesn't get to be an absolute 'monster'? I want a spread and some height but not a massive 'tree' ...

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, apologies for the delayed reply. You can always cut the trunk back if you're lucky enough to have one that grows and develops quickly to a large size. A lot I've seen do settle at around 4m or so high with a spread of a few metres but they're very easy to cut back in spring and will readily resprout close to the cut point.

[@RACHEL-pu9gf]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thank you! Mine is a lovely plant but it doesn't seem to be taking off as yet? It's in new compost but do you think I should give it a big feed?

[@kendy123456789]

I had 1 donated to me last summer which I had in a pot, I decided to plant in the ground, but it did not survive last winter. I have have been trying to buy 1 but it seems impossible to buy anywhere. I got some seeds which it stated they can take 6 to 8 weeks to germinate. Dunno if it's a scam got them on Ebay.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s a shame, I know the seed has to be fresh for good germination unfortunately so hopefully yours is! I got a couple of plants from Desert to Jungle a couple of weeks ago plus Turn it Tropical should be selling some small plants soon too.

[@kendy123456789]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden nice 1 I already bought some bits from them after your last mention.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@kendy123456789 Fantastic!

[@TropicalJungleIreland]

2ft tall plants in ireland are selling for over €200 ?????????

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s crazy money, personally I’d buy smaller and look at £20-40 tops!

[@kevincahalan9994]

Hi George Another great post, I bought a small one last summer which arrived in poor condition I repotted and over wintered it, still dosn’t look great but planted out 3 weeks ago but not looking happy. Should I leave it or lift and repot

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Kevin, thank you. It’s hard to say for definite but if it’s already in the ground, that’ll be the best place for it so I’d leave it there and not disturb it further.