BOTANICAL NAME: Fatsia Japonica
COMMON NAME: Fatsi, False Castor OilPlant, Glossy-leaved paper plant, Japanese Aralia
ORIGIN: Japan, Korea, Taiwan
GOOD FOR: Intermediate plant parents
HEIGHT: 6 ft tall when kept indoors
LIGHT: Bright, indirect light. Only expose it to morning light, as the harsh afternoon sun will burn the leaves.
WINDOW PREFERENCE: North or East window works best.
WATER: Water thoroughly once half the soil is dry and then water around the base of the plant until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. At this point you can stop. Take care to never allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
HUMIDITY: Can adapt to average household humidity, but will do well in a slightly more humid environment. If the air becomes too dry, the leaf tips will brown.
TEMPERATURE: Prefers temperatures between 60-80 degrees during the day. Keep away from drafts and heat vents.
SOIL / REPOTTING: Use a well-aerated soil that drains well. This is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to repot yearly as it becomes root-bound. Increase to a container one size up.
PLANT FOOD: In spring and summer, feed once a month. We recommend using Joyful Dirt Houseplant Plant Food. Stop feeding in fall and winter due to slower growth and dormancy.
PRUNING: Can be fast growing, so you can choose to prune to keep a certain size. In the spring, trimming back the leaves will encourage fuller growth. Rotating the plant will allow it to grow evenly.
PESTS: Aphids, mealybugs, scale are possible infestations.
TOXICITY: Non-toxic