Aucuba japonica is a popular houseplant and ornamental shrub from east asia. it is valued for its glossy, evergreen leaves and tolerance of shade. aucuba japonica is also known as the gold dust plant or japanese aucuba.
Also known as
- Japanese aucuba
- Japanese laurel
- Japanese common aucuba
- Japanese spotted laurel
- Japanese variegated aucuba
Common Knowledge
- Aucuba japonica is a glossy-leaved evergreen shrub that is native to Japan.
- It is commonly known as the Japanese aucuba or gold dust plant.
- Aucuba japonica grows to a height of 3-4 m and has a spreading habit.
- The leaves are ovate-shaped, 10-20 cm long and 7-12 cm wide, with a serrated margin. They are dark green in color with yellow or white spots.
- The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and borne in clusters. They are not particularly showy.
- The fruits are small, black berries that are poisonous to humans but attractive to birds.
- Aucuba japonica is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is drought-resistant.
- It prefers partial to full shade and is therefore often used as a foundation plant or as a hedge in shady areas.
- Aucuba japonica is relatively pest- and disease-free.
- It is propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
Related plant:
Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia
How to Grow
- For aucuba japonica, first step is to plant the seeds.
- During the germination process, it is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- After the seeds have germinated, thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest plants remain.
- When the seedlings have reached a few inches in height, transplant them into individual pots.
- Aucuba japonica prefers a humus-rich, well-drained soil.
- This plant does not tolerate long periods of drought, so make sure to water it regularly.
- Aucuba japonica is a slow-growing plant, so be patient when waiting for it to reach maturity.
- Once it has reached maturity, this plant can be propagated by taking cuttings from the stems.
- Aucuba japonica is generally pest- and disease-free, but keep an eye out for scale insects and mealybugs.
- This plant can be used as an accent in the landscape or in containers.
Related plant:
Aucuba
The Soil
About soil condition, Aucuba japonica prefers well-drained, moist, humus-rich soils, but it is quite tolerant of poorer soils and will even grow in full shade. It does not like very dry or waterlogged soils.
Light condition
Like the other plants, the aucuba japonica needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is unique in that it can also grow in shady areas. In fact, it actually prefers partial to full shade. So, if you are looking for a plant to brighten up a shady spot in your garden, the aucuba japonica is a great option.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the Aucuba Japonica is a temperature that is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is known to be a very hardy plant, and can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperatures get too high, then the plant will start to wilt and will eventually die.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and higher. The Aucuba Japonica can tolerate lower humidity but not for a long period of time. If the humidity falls below 50%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.
Fertilizer Requirement
For the fertilizer, this plant does best with a slow-release fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer that is applied monthly. It is important to flush the roots with water every few months to prevent the build-up of salts. When it comes to the roots, this plant has a fibrous root system.
Light requirement
Pruning is an important part of caring for your aucuba japonica. By pruning, you can encourage new growth, shape your plant, and remove any damaged or dead leaves or branches. Pruning also helps to keep your plant healthy by removing any pests or diseases that may be present.
Plant Propagation
Propagation is best carried out by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous shoots that are about 10-15cm long. Cut just below a leaf node, using a sharp knife or secateurs. Remove the lower leaves, leaving two or three pairs of leaves at the top of the cutting. Dip the base of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder or gel and then plant into a pot or container of moistened, well-drained potting mix. Firm gently around the base of the cutting. Water in well. Place the pot or container in a warm, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not wet. New roots should form within 4-6 weeks at which time the young plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate depending on the species. Some can grow quite rapidly in ideal conditions while others are quite slow. Planting in a shady area will help to keep the growth rates down.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are yellowing leaves, brown spots, and leaf drop. These problems are often caused by too much sun, too little water, or improper fertilizer. To correct these problems, give the plant more water, move it to a shadier location, or apply a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.
Tips on Growing
- Make sure to choose a spot for your aucuba japonica plant that has well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade exposure.
- Water your plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
- Fertilize your aucuba japonica plant every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
- Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if necessary.
- Harvest the leaves of your aucuba japonica plant regularly to use in cooking or for other purposes.
- Divide your plant every few years to prevent it from becoming too overgrown.
- Propagate your aucuba japonica plant by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
- Overwinter your plant indoors in a cool, bright spot if you live in an area with harsh winters
Substitution
- Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' - Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is a variegated-leaved evergreen shrub with glossy, narrowly oval, dark green leaves, each with a broad central gold stripe.
- Aucuba japonica 'Crotonoides' - Aucuba japonica 'Crotonoides' is an evergreen shrub with ovate, glossy, bright green leaves and small, urn-shaped, crimson flowers in spring, followed by orange fruits.
- Aucuba japonica f. alba - Aucuba japonica f. alba is an evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, each with a broad central gold stripe, and inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in spring, followed by crimson fruits.
- Aucuba japonica '
Source:
Aucuba japonica Variegata, Aucuba, Gold Dust Plant
Aucuba japonica 'Longifolia' | Nursery Crop Extension Research
*Aucuba japonica Variegata - Delaware State University
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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