Brassaiopsis mitis, also known as Himalayan umbrella plant or snowflake plant is a spectacular, exotic-looking shrub or small tree from the Araliaceae family, highly sought after in exotic and jungle gardens due to its unique foliage.

Origin

• Native to the eastern Himalayas and neighboring regions: eastern Nepal, Sikkim (India), Bhutan , and northwest Myanmar.
• Grows naturally in subtropical forests, moist mountain slopes, canyons and undergrowth of broadleaf forests at altitudes of about 1000–2800 meters.
• Endemic to these cool, humid, subtropical mountain regions; adapted to moderate temperatures, high humidity and well-drained soils.

Care

• Grows as an upright, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub or small tree up to 3–6 metres high (often 2–4 m in cultivation) and wide; young leaves deeply lobed and large (up to 60–90 cm in diameter), mature leaves more palm-shaped with deep incisions, rough, dark green and veined.
• Prefers partial shade to shade (protected from bright midday sun); Full sun can scorch leaves in hot climates.
• Plant in moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil (humus-rich, slightly moist); Add plenty of organic matter (compost, leaf soil).
• Watering: regular and abundant in growing season (spring/summer) to keep soil consistently moist; moderate in winter; does not tolerate dehydration or waterlogging.
• Winter hardiness: fair (USDA zones 8–10); tolerates frost down to about -10 °C (sometimes down to -12 °C with protection); In colder climates (such as the Netherlands), protect with mulch, fleece or overwinter as a container plant frost-free (cool but frost-free, 0–10 °C, light spot).
• Fertilization: light organic fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer during the growing season; Do not over-fertilize.
• Pruning: light in spring to maintain shape or remove damaged branches; tolerates pruning well.

Usage

• Mainly ornamental plant (ornamental): highly prized for dramatic, tropical-looking, deeply lobed leaves (often described as “snowflake-like” or “exotic”); Perfect as an accent in jungle, exotic or shade gardens, borders or as a container plant.
• Attracts attention in damp, secluded gardens; Combines well with ferns, hostas and other large foliage plants.