Toxicodendron succedaneum aka Scarlet Rhus

Taxonomy

Toxicodendron succedaneum, also known as the wax tree, Japanese Hazenoki tree, or sơn in Vietnam, is a flowering plant species found in Asia. It can reach heights of up to 8 meters and resembles a sumac tree. This deciduous tree has pinnate leaves with up to 15 glossy dark green leaflets that turn a vibrant red in autumn. In summer, it produces upright clusters of small yellow-green flowers, followed by round, yellow-brown seeds on female trees. Despite its aesthetic appeal, it has become a noxious weed in Australia and New Zealand due to the unawareness of its allergic reactions by gardeners who planted it as an ornamental plant. In Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan, it is one of the city tree symbols. The larvae of various moth species feed on T. succedaneum. Additionally, it is used to produce lacquer, particularly in Vietnam, where the resin of the tree is used to create lacquer paintings called sơn mài.

Common names

Scarlet Rhus, Rhustree, Japanese Waxtree

How to care for Scarlet Rhus

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Scarlet Rhus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Scarlet Rhus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Scarlet Rhus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Scarlet Rhus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Scarlet Rhus has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia