Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Japanese aralia.
Fatsia japonica
Pronounced FAT-see-uh juh-PON-ih-kuh
Also known as Fatsia, Glossy-leaf paper plant, Japanese aralia, Japanese fatsia, fatsi, glossy-leaf paperplant, paperplant
The Japanese aralia is a fantastic evergreen shrub that brings a lush, tropical vibe to cooler spaces. It is known for its massive, glossy leaves that look like giant hands. It is a very reliable plant that thrives in shady spots where other plants might struggle.
At a glance
- Care level
- Easy
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Indoor light
- Medium light
- Water
- Every 5 to 10 days
- Mature size
- 6 to 10 feet
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Hardiness
- USDA 7 to 10
- Bloom time
- Late autumn to early winter
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for drooping leaves, which often signal that the plant is thirsty or getting too much direct sun. Wipe the large leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust.
- Watering
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
- Pruning
- Trim back leggy stems in early spring to encourage a bushier shape.
- Repotting
- Move to a larger container once the roots begin to circle the pot.
- Soil
- Well draining organic rich soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 7.5
- Temperature
- -10 to 35°C
- Humidity
- 40 to 70%
- Drought tolerance
- Low
- Lifespan
- Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
- Deer and rabbits
- Moderate
Signs it needs repotting
- Roots growing out of drainage holes
- Water running straight through the pot
- Stunted growth
Safety
- People
- The sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- Pets
- This plant is considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
- Children
- Keep children away from the black berries as they are mildly toxic if eaten.
- Contact allergens
- Handling the stems or leaves may cause skin irritation due to the sap.
- Airborne allergens
- The pollen is generally not considered a major allergen.
- Edibility
- The berries are not considered edible and may cause stomach upset if ingested.
How to identify it
- Large glossy palmate leaves
- Deeply lobed foliage
- Creamy white spherical flower clusters
- Dark purple to black berries
- Sturdy upright woody stems
- Height
- 1.5 to 3m
- Spread
- 1.5 to 3m
- Leaves
- dark green, evergreen
- Flowers
- white, cream, 0.5 to 1cm
- Fruit
- black, Spring
Problems to watch for
- AphidsCommon
- Leaf SpotCommon
- Root RotUncommon
- Scale InsectsUncommon
- Sooty MoldUncommon
- Spider MitesUncommon
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Growing it
- Propagation
- cuttings, seed
- When to plant
- spring, early autumn
- Overwintering
- In colder regions, move containers to a sheltered area or provide a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing.
- In containers
- It grows very well in containers, provided you use a pot at least 40 cm wide with good drainage.
Stem cuttings
- Take a 15 cm cutting in summer.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Place in moist potting mix.
- Cover with plastic until rooted.
Pair with other shade lovers that enjoy consistent moisture to create a lush woodland feel.
Grows well with
Similar species
- Rice Paper Plant — It has a similar tropical appearance but is much larger.
Science
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Genus
- Fatsia
- Order
- Apiales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Native range
- Southern Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
- Conservation
- Not of conservation concern.
It grows in the understory of forests, relying on its large leaves to capture limited light.
- Value to wildlife
- late season nectar source
- Pollinators
- bees, butterflies
- Uses
- ornamental shrub, container plant, shade garden accent
Through the year
Ecological indicators
- Moisture
- 6/9
- Nutrients
- 5/9
- Salinity
- 2/9
- Soil reaction
- 5/9
- Light
- 3/9
- Temperature
- 6/9
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Questions people ask
- Does it need full sun?
- No, it prefers partial to full shade to keep its leaves from scorching.
- Can I grow it indoors?
- Yes, it makes a great houseplant if kept in a bright spot away from direct sun.
Where the name comes from
The name Fatsia is derived from the Japanese word 'fatsi' meaning eight, while 'japonica' indicates its native origin.
Good to know
- It is a member of the ginseng family.
- The name Fatsia comes from the Japanese word for eight, referring to the eight lobes of the leaves.
- It thrives in deep shade where many other plants struggle.
Also in
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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.