Japanese Aralia.

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Care level

Easy

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Indoor light

medium

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Grows 5-10 ft. tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 8 to 11

Bloom time

Late fall to early winter

Cuidados

Provide moist, well-drained soil and protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. It tolerates shade well, making it suitable for underplanting or darker corners.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and reduce watering in cooler months.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every other month during the growing season, from spring through fall.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage bushier growth.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Soil

Rich, well-drained soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Temperature

-12.2 to 29.4°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Seguridad

People

Non-toxic

Pets

May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Large, deeply lobed, palmate leaves
• Glossy, dark green foliage
• Upright, branching growth habit
• Clusters of small, white flowers
• Black, berry-like fruit

Height

1.524 to 3.048m

Spread

1.524 to 3.048m

Leaves

dark green, glossy, evergreen

Flowers

white, cream, 0.6 to 0.8cm

Fruit

black, dark purple, Late fall to winter

Problemas frecuentes

• Spider mites — Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing; thrive in dry conditions.
• Scale insects — Small, immobile insects that attach to stems and leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant.
• Root rot — Caused by overwatering, leading to soggy soil and fungal infections that damage roots.
• Leaf spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing discolored spots on leaves, often exacerbated by high humidity and poor air circulation.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Pair with plants that enjoy shade and consistent moisture for a lush, layered look.

Buenas compañeras

• Hosta — Hostas thrive in similar shady conditions and offer contrasting foliage textures.
• Ferns — Ferns are excellent companions for shade gardens, complementing the Aralia's tropical look.
• Astilbe — Astilbes provide beautiful feathery blooms in shady, moist spots where Aralias grow well.

Mantenla lejos de

• Full sun exposure — Direct sun will scorch the leaves and can weaken the plant.
• Drought — While somewhat drought-tolerant once established, prolonged dry periods can stress the plant.
• Strong winds — Wind can damage the large leaves and dry out the plant.

Especies parecidas

• Schefflera (Umbrella Tree) — Schefflera also has palmate leaves and a tropical appearance, but typically prefers brighter light.
• Plnchera — While less common, some Plnchera species share a similar architectural leaf shape and growth habit.

Ciencia

Family

Araliaceae

Genus

Fatsia

Order

Apiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan

In its native habitat, Fatsia japonica grows in the understory of forests and on rocky slopes, benefiting from shade and protection from harsh elements.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

Ornamental shrub, Container plant, Houseplant, Shade garden accent

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Can this plant tolerate full sun?

No, it prefers shade or partial shade and can be scorched by direct sunlight.

How often should I water my Japanese Aralia?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; allow it to dry slightly between waterings.

Is it toxic to pets?

It is considered mildly toxic to pets and may cause stomach upset if ingested.

What kind of soil does it need?

It thrives in rich, well-drained soil that retains some moisture.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name 'Fatsia' comes from the old Japanese word 'fatsi', meaning 'eight', referring to the typical eight lobes of its leaves. 'Japonica' means 'from Japan'.

Bueno saberlo

• Its leaves can grow up to 1-2 feet across.
• It's a great plant for adding architectural interest to shady spots.
• The plant's name, 'Fatsia', is derived from an old Japanese word meaning 'eight', referring to the typical eight lobes of its leaves.