How to Grow Fatsia Polycarpa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Fatsia polycarpa is an evergreen shrub native to southern japan. it is a member of the aralia family and can grow up to 10 feet tall. the leaves are large and glossy, and the plant produces white flowers in the fall.

How to Grow Fatsia Polycarpa - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Aralia polycarpa
  • Fatsia japonica
  • Hedera rhombea
  • Hedera tibetica
  • Schefflera koreana

Things to Know

  • Fatsia polycarpa is a member of the Araliaceae family.
  • It is native to eastern Asia, specifically China and Korea.
  • It is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to 6-8’ tall and as wide.
  • It has large, glossy, dark green leaves that are palmate with 7-9 leaflets.
  • The leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, have toothed margins, and are 2-4” long.
  • In late fall, small, greenish-white flowers blooming in panicles appear.
  • The flowers are followed by black fruits that are ¼” wide.
  • Fatsia polycarpa is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.
  • It prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is relatively low maintenance and is deer and rabbit resistant.

Related plant:
Fatsia Polycarpa Green Fingers

Planting Process

  1. For fatsia polycarpa, first step is to find a spot where it will receive partial sun to full shade.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it several inches away from the plant’s stem.
  6. Water the plant deeply once per week for the first month, then water as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  7. Fertilize the plant once per month using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. In late winter or early spring, prune back the plant by one-third to one-half its height to encourage new growth.
  9. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and take action if necessary.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful fatsia polycarpa!

Related plant:
Fatsia Spider Web

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Fatsia polycarpa grows best in moist but well-drained soil, in part shade. It's tolerant of a range of soil types including clay. If the soil is too dry, the leaves may turn brown and drop.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, Fatsia polycarpa requires a certain amount of sun to grow properly. However, this plant is much more tolerant to lower light conditions than most. In fact, it can even thrive in shaded areas where other plants would quickly die. This makes it a great choice for locations that receive less than ideal levels of sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for fatsia polycarpa is warm temperatures. This plant does not do well in cold temperatures and will die if it gets too cold. The ideal temperature range for this plant is from 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Fatsia polycarpa does not like to dry out, so make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and drop off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant does best with organic compost or manure added to the soil around it in early spring. This extra food encourages growth and helps the plant to produce more leaves, which is its desired effect. In terms of its roots, the Fatsia polycarpa has a relatively shallow root system, so it is important to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the hot sun.

About light

Pruning is an important part of taking care of your fatsia polycarpa plant. While it is possible to let the plant grow without pruning, it will become leggy and unruly over time. Pruning also encourages new growth, which is always a welcome sight in the garden. To prune your fatsia polycarpa, simply cut back the stems to the desired length. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation of this plant is typically done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants that have not yet flowered. Cuttings should be about 6-8 inches in length and should be taken from the tips of the stems. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they have rooted. It is important to keep the cutting warm, preferably above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cuttings typically take 4-6 weeks to root. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate information available is based on anecdotal evidence and observations. The plant typically grows quite quickly when conditions are favorable, but its growth rate can be highly variable depending on the environment. In general, fatsia polycarpa seems to be a relatively fast-growing plant, and it can quickly reach its full potential size under the right conditions.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture or poor drainage. To avoid these problems, make sure to plant fatsia polycarpa in well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your Fatsia regularly, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your plant every two weeks using a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • Place your Fatsia in an area that receives bright indirect sunlight.
  • To encourage new growth, pinch back the tips of the stems.
  • Because Fatsia are fast-growing plants, they will need to be repotted every one to two years.
  • Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly.
  • Overwatering is the main cause of death for Fatsia. Make sure the soil has adequate drainage and do not water more than necessary.
  • If the leaves of your Fatsia begin to turn yellow, this is likely a sign of too much sun exposure. Move your plant to a

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  • Fatsia publishing house (fatsia)
  • Humiriastrum procerum (fatsia)
  • Platycarya strobilacea (fatsia)
  • Talisia oliviformis (fatsia)

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Fatsia polycarpa (Shitou …
Idesia polycarpa | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
(Free PDF) Isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic ...

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