Devil’s Club

Devil's Club typically grows best when watered around once per week or every 6-7 days. Depending on the environment and climate, this may vary slightly. A thorough watering should absorb 1-2 inches of water into the soil and last until the next scheduled watering session. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so the soil should be allowed to drain and dry out somewhat between waterings. Testing the soil moisture level with a finger or a meat thermometer is a simple and accurate way to check soil moisture levels, as well as decrease the risk of overwatering.

Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus) prefers partial or full shade, but will tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Depending on where it is grown, the amount of sunlight it needs will vary. In areas such as the Pacific Northwest with cooler climates and shorter summers, it is best to provide no more than 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If planted in warmer regions, such as the Southeast or Southwest, the plant can tolerate 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It is important to pay attention to the temperature as well and make sure the plant isn’t getting too much sun for its region, as this can be damaging to the leaves and cause leaf burn.

Pruning Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) is best done in early spring, before new growth starts. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as too much pruning can damage or kill the plant. Whenever possible, try to prune away dead or damaged branches, while selecting a few small branches at a time for pruning. It's best to prune no more than one-third of the plant's foliage. Doing more than this could damage the plant. Pruning should be done carefully, as the plants are highly sensitive to injury and can develop cankers, which can weaken and kill them.