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.

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.

Plant guide

Japanese Aralia.

Fatsia japonica

Pronounced FAT-see-uh juh-PON-ik-uh

Also known as Fatsia, Glossy-leaf paper plant, Japanese aralia, Japanese fatsia, fatsi, glossy-leaf paperplant, paperplant

The Japanese Aralia is a striking evergreen shrub known for its large, glossy, hand-shaped leaves. It brings a tropical flair to shady gardens and is also a popular houseplant.

At a glance

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

Care

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%

Safety

People: Non-toxic
Pets: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

Propagation: Cuttings, Seed
When to plant: Spring, Fall

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

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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.

Similar species

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.

Science

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 2/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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'.

Good to know

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.

Is your japanese aralia looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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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.