Identifying the "Five Finger Plant": Pseudopanax arboreus

Mystery Solved: Your Plant Is Pseudopanax arboreus

The plant commonly called “five finger plant” or “finger plant” with large, dark-green, deeply lobed leaves shaped like an upside-down pasta fork is Pseudopanax arboreus, also known as five-finger or whauwhaupaku. Native to New Zealand, it’s a small evergreen tree or large shrub that can reach 15–20 feet outdoors in mild climates.

Key Identification Features

• Leaves are palmately compound with 5–7 leathery, serrated leaflets radiating from a central point—hence “five finger.”
• Foliage is glossy, deep green, often with a slightly leathery texture.
• Grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a spreading canopy.
• Produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by dark purple berries.

Growing Conditions

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11 (minimum ~25°F / -4°C). Not frost-tolerant.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade. Indoors, needs very bright light.
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Tolerates a range of pH.
• Water: Regular moisture when established; drought-tolerant once mature.

Indoor Care Tips

If grown as a houseplant, provide the brightest possible indirect light, keep evenly moist (not soggy), and maintain moderate humidity. It may drop lower leaves in low light. Prune to control size and shape. It’s not a common indoor plant but can work in a sunroom or large bright window.

Reference

Photo and details: NZ Seeds – Pseudopanax arboreus