Rice Paper Plant ‘Rex’

Tetrapanax papyrifer

This large shrub/small tree adds architectural impact and makes a lush exotic background or screen.

Member Non Member
Quantity
Members only
Members only
Notify me

As a member you will save

Login or join the club

As a member you will save

Restricted - Not available for delivery to
Pre-Order
Order now with expected delivery from

This item is available to members only. Log in or become a member to access our full range.

Information
Delivery timeframe

Rice Paper Plant ‘Rex’

Create a bold, tropical statement with the Rice-Paper Plant ‘Rex’, a fast-growing architectural wonder that transforms any garden with its massive, deeply lobed leaves, reaching up to 1m across. This striking plant thrives in warm, sheltered positions, adding instant impact with minimal effort.

In summer, it produces clouds of creamy-white flowers, attracting pollinators, while its bold, sculptural form provides year-round interest. Perfect for adding height, texture, and a lush jungle vibe, ‘Rex’ is surprisingly hardy, adapting to various soil types and thriving in full sun to part shade.

Whether as a stunning focal point or a dramatic backdrop, this low-maintenance beauty delivers instant tropical drama to any landscape. Plant ‘Rex’ today and transform your garden into a lush paradise!

How to grow

Thriving in warm, sheltered locations, the Rice-Paper Plant ‘Rex’ grows best in rich, well-draining soil with regular moisture. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it benefits from some protection from strong winds, which can damage its large, dramatic leaves. Once established, it’s surprisingly hardy and can tolerate periods of dryness, though consistent watering during dry spells will encourage lush growth.

In cooler climates, ‘Rex’ will die back in winter but reliably resprouts from the base in spring. It spreads via underground suckers, so plant it in a spot where its adventurous nature won’t be a concern or use a root barrier to keep it in check. Mulch well in winter to protect the roots in colder areas and apply a balanced organic fertilizer in spring to boost new growth.

Low-maintenance yet incredibly striking, ‘Rex’ rewards gardeners with bold, architectural foliage and year-round interest—a must-have for adding a tropical touch to any garden!

Growing Information

Growing Needs
Light: Full Sun/Part shade
Water: seasonal watering
Heat Zone: 6-10

Choose plants appropriate to your heat and cold zone to ensure they will succeed in your garden. Learn more.

Cold Zone: 9b-12
Plant Characteristics
Type: Evergreen

Learn more about the characteristics of plants

Height: 4m
Width: 4m
Flowering: Feb-Apr
Pot Size:
Pot Size: Super Tube

We choose the right size pot for your plant to ensure it will travel well through the post. Learn more

Delivery timeframe

Please note that we are currently despatching orders for all in-stock items within 7-14 business days.

Orders to WA, NT and TAS require quarantine clearance. These orders are shipped weekly which may impact delivery timeframes. Please allow an additional week to receive your package.

We know you're keen to receive your order as quickly as possible, and our team works hard to prepare and pack your orders fast and accurately. 

Member Satisfaction Guarantee

You can safely order plants with Diggers!

Our team carefully pack each order to ensure that live plants are well watered, are securely packed will arrive healthy, ready for transplanting in your garden.

However if within 90 days, your plant is not performing as expected, please contact us. We will work with you to help recover the plant, but if unsuccessful we will provide a replacement or credit under our 90 day Member Satisfaction Guarantee.

Please note our policy on living product covers only those selected for your appropriate climate zone.

Postage Rates

Seed only orders:
$6.50

Plant orders:
1-14 plants: $11.95
15+ plants: $21.95

seeds can be added for no additional charge

Hardware, books, bulbs, tuber orders:
$10.95

seeds can be added for no additional charge

Plants with any other combination of hardware, books, bulbs or tubers:
1-14 plants: $22.90
15+ plants: $32.90

Membership & member free seed only orders:
Free

Quarantine surcharge:
$6.00 - covers additional cost of mandatory inspections for WA, NT and TAS orders only

Pre-orders

Items available for pre-order will be despatched as soon as the season permits, as indicated by the expected delivery date.