Fatsia japonica aka Japanese Fatsia

Taxonomy

Fatsia japonica, better known as Japanese aralia or glossy-leaved paper plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to southern Japan and southern Korea. It is a semi-dense broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that has the appearance of tropical foliage, and it prefers acidic, well-drained organically rich soils but also tolerates sandy and clay soils. It blooms in autumn and its fruit ripens in mid to late winter. Fatsia japonica is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it is tolerant of drought, air pollution, and salt spray. If you want this beautiful plant to adorn your home, make sure you understand its preferences.

Common names

Japanese Fatsia, Japanese Aralia, Fatsia Japonica Spiders Web, Paperplant

How to care for Japanese Fatsia

Difficulty

Caring for Japanese Fatsia can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.

Water

Japanese Fatsia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Japanese Fatsia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Japanese Fatsia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Japanese Fatsia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Japanese Fatsia is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Japanese Fatsia. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Japanese Fatsia is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Japanese Fatsia’s native range is Southern Japan and Taiwan.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Japanese Fatsia blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia