Fatsia japonica or Japanese aralia

Care of the plant Fatsia japonica or Japanese aralia

The genus Fatsia, family Araliaceae, includes only 3 species of shrubs native to Taiwan and Japan. The species are: Fatsia japonica, Fatsia polycarpa, Fatsia oligocarpella.

Common names: Japanese aralia, Castor oil plant, Fatsi, Paperplant, False castor oil plant, Fig-leaf palm, Glossy-leaved paper plant. This species is native to Japan.

They are highly branched evergreen shrubs that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The attractive lobed leaves are up to 45 cm (17.7") in diameter and are bright green on the upper side and light green on the underside: there are varieties of variegated leaves. They produce white flowers in umbels above the leaves. They bloom in autumn but are not usually done indoors.

They are used as indoor, greenhouse, terrace and balcony plants and as isolated specimens or in bushy groups in the garden.

Fatsia japonica needs a dim light or semi-shadow exposure; variegated-leaved plants need direct sun early in the morning. In winter it needs a rest at 10-13 ºC (50-55 ºF).

The soil can be a normal outdoor garden soil or a commercial substrate for indoor plants if it's grown in a pot. The transplant is done in spring or autumn.

Water frequently so that the substrate is always humid and greatly reduce watering in winter; if the temperature is lower than 10 ºC (50 ºF), it's not necessary to water them. Spray the leaves with lime-free water in summer if it's very hot and ventilate properly. Periodically clean the sheets with a damp cloth.

Fertilize every 3 weeks with mineral fertilizer during the summer.

They accept light pruning in early spring to maintain a compact appearance.

They can be attacked by mealybugs and mites if the humidity is dry and the ventilation is not adequate.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings in early spring or late summer; use rooting hormones.