Japanese Aralia Care: How To Grow Fatsia Japonica
The large, showy, tropical leaves may imply that Japanese aralia care is a challenge, but given the right environment, it’s a show-stopper and easy to grow.
![Fatsia Japonica Plant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ccZBdaA547CU4FHtpnsuBc-415-80.jpg)
Japanese Aralia Care Made Simple: Grow Fatsia Japonica
Japanese aralia care is not difficult if planted in an appropriate site. As its name suggests, Japanese aralia comes from Japan where it grows in warm southern areas. It is loved for its large, shiny, deeply lobed and tropical appearance. It flowers in autumn and produces showy dark berries in winter.
Quick Japanese Aralia Facts
Botanical name: Fatsia japonica
Height: 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Spread: 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Sun exposure: Shade or dappled shade
Soil requirements: Well-drained, acidic soil
Hardiness zones: 7b - 10b
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care for Japanese Aralia
Light Conditions
Fatsia is a heat sensitive plant. For the best Japanese Aralia care, avoid direct sun and grow it in dappled or even full shade.
Temperature & Humidity
This shrub thrives in warmer regions, doing best in USDA hardiness zones 7b through 10. It does not need extra humidity to thrive, but indoor plants can benefit from an occasional spray.
Water & Fertilizer
Water Fatsia well the first year after planting. The shrub becomes drought tolerant once it becomes established. As far as fertilizer goes, use a slow-release fertilizer for shrubs, starting in spring after the last frost.
Soil & Compost
You will find that care for Fatsia Japonica is easiest if you plant the shrub in organically rich soil. The soil should drain well and be slightly acidic.
Where, When and How to Grow
Are you wondering how to grow Japanese aralia? Plant it in well-drained soil, blending in a few inches of organic compost first. Select a spot that gets some amount of shade, from deep to dappled. Your planting site should also be protected from wind exposure and full sun.
Fatsia is a great city plant, since it tolerates air pollution. These shrubs are often grown outdoors in large containers. They can also be grown in containers indoors as houseplants. Sow seeds in the spring for best results. They germinate quickly.
How to Prune Japanese Aralia
This shrub does not need to be pruned for its health, but pruning can increase leaf production and also shape the plant. This can be done at any time of year. For rejuvenation pruning, either cut back all stems severely in late winter before growth begins, or take out one-third of the stems - the oldest ones first - any time from late winter to late summer.
How to Propagate Japanese Aralia
You can use the plant’s own seeds to grow more and, in fact, most plants are seed-grown. Just remove the fruit pulp after it is ripe. The seeds will sprout in a month or less.
You can also propagate Japanese aralia from late summer cuttings. Trim off the outer sections of large leaves. It is suggested that you use a rooting hormone as well as bottom heat, maintaining humidity with a tent or by misting regularly.
Seeds are easier but you can only be sure to get variegated cultivars true to type by using cuttings.
Problems, Pests & Diseases
Fatsia is not a plant that’s particularly vulnerable to insect or disease problems. But it sometimes gets common bugs like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or scales. Control these with horticultural oil sprays. Keeping plants well cared for reduces the pest impact.
If your shrubs are crowded together with limited air circulation, or if you water them from above, fungal and bacterial leaf spots may result. Simply remove any leaves with a lot of spotting and be sure the plant gets the water and fertilizer it needs. If the problem remains serious, use a copper-based fungicide.
Best Varieties to Grow
There are many Aralia varieties and cultivars. The “best” ones depend on the garden’s preferences. Aurea Maculata is extremely popular, with its markings - pale yellow to lime green - extending from the center and veins of the leaves.
Another good option is Variegata, with its white-edged leaves. For sheer color, consider Annelise, with huge yellow and lime-colored splotches that extend over most of the leaf surface. Any of these would work well for outdoor pots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japanese Aralia toxic to dogs and cats?
No. Japanese aralia is not toxic to dogs or cats. It is not toxic to horses either.
Can Japanese Aralia be grown indoors?
Yes, Japanese aralia is a popular houseplant. But select one of the smaller cultivars.
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
7 Best Trailing Plants For Hanging Baskets – Create A Delightful Summer Display
Hanging baskets are a staple of the summer patio. Use these plants to create trailing masterpieces that add beauty and elegance to your outdoor space.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Old-Fashioned Flowers And Plants That Will Transport You To Another Time
Fancy bringing some old world beauty and elegance to your space? These nine old-fashioned flowers can help you add a touch of nostalgia and romance
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Potted Fatsia Care: Tips On Growing A Fatsia Indoors
Fatsia is an evergreen shrub and is a pretty tough and forgiving plant in outdoor gardens, but it is also possible to grow fatsia indoors. Your potted fatsia inside may not get flowers, but you can still enjoy the exotic foliage given proper indoor culture. Learn more here.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
-
Propagating Fatsia From Seed: When And How To Plant Fatsia Seeds
Waiting for a shrub to grow from a seed may seem like something that will take forever to do. However, fatsia shrubs actually grow rather quickly and may not take as long as you think. For more information on how to grow fatsia from seed, click the following article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Aralia Plant Information: Tips On Growing Aralias
Aralia is a striking, multi-stemmed plant of more than 70 species. With so many types of aralia from which to choose, you can enjoy a variety of forms. Read this article for more aralia plant information, including growing aralias and care of aralias.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
How To Care For Ming Aralia Houseplants
Why the Ming Aralia ever fell out of favor as a houseplant is beyond me. This plant is one of the easiest houseplants available. With a little care and know how from this article, you can grow this plant in your home.
By Heather Rhoades