Why will I love it?
This plant, from the coastal woodlands of Japan and South Korea, has big, glossy, leathery leaves with seven to nine deep lobes. Fatsia japonica is a year-round spectacle, with bright white flowers in late autumn and early winter, followed by small black fruit in spring.
Light or shade?
It’s happiest in bright indirect light to semi-shade. With too much direct sunlight, those vibrant green leaves may take on a yellowish hue.
Where should I put it?
A well-ventilated bathroom or kitchen – it adores the extra moisture these spaces offer. Place it near an east- or west-facing window, to soak up the filtered sunlight.
How do I keep it alive?
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Let the top layer dry out before watering. As summer arrives, offer it regular misting and a room temperature of around 16-21C. In winter, it prefers a slightly cooler environment, between 7C and 13C.
Did you know …
The name “fatsia” echoes the Japanese word for “eight,” a nod to the lobes on its leaves. Other common names include paperplant, Japanese aralia and eight fingers. The variegated “Spider’s Web” cultivar is particularly lovely.
