Japanese Fatsia (Japanese Aralia)

The Japanese Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) is a striking evergreen shrub native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Known for its large, glossy, palmate leaves that can grow up to 12 inches across, it thrives in shaded to partially sunny spots, making it a favorite for both indoor and outdoor gardens in temperate climates. The plant is remarkably resilient, tolerating a range of soil conditions and temperatures down to around 20°! Its special appeal lies in its dramatic foliage, making it a bold statement plant in landscaping, and its ability to grow in low light, offering unique texture and structure to shaded areas. Fatsia is also known for its small, creamy white flowers that bloom in late fall, followed by black berries, adding further interest to its visual appeal.

• Light

  Place the plant in a bright location with filtered or indirect light, such as a window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and cause them to curl and develop brown patches. Lower light conditions can also make the plant look pale and elongated.
• Humidity

  Dry air can cause the leaves to feel crinkly, so increase humidity by misting the plant daily or placing it on a tray of pebbles with water in the saucer.
• Water

  Water the plant when the top half of the soil is dry, but before it dries out completely. Water thoroughly until liquid flows out of the bottom of the pot's drainage hole, then discard any water in the saucer. Fatsia plants use a lot of water, so you might need to water them frequently, especially in the spring and summer. Don't let the plant wilt, but it can tolerate some wilting.
• Soil

  Use a light, airy potting mix that holds moisture well. Heavy soil can be difficult to move and judge for dryness.
• Temperature

  Fatsia plants prefer average room temperatures of 60–75°F. They don't like extreme temperatures, so if it gets above 30°F, you might want to move the plant to a shadier spot.
• Fertilizer

  Fatsia plants are heavy feeders, so you can fertilize them regularly with liquid feed.