How to Grow Fatsia Spider Web - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Fatsia spider web is a common ornamental plant that is known for its large, glossy leaves. The leaves of this plant are usually 8-10 inches wide and have a spider web-like pattern on them. The fatsia spider web plant is native to Japan and Korea, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States. This plant is often used as an accent plant in landscaping because of its unique leaves.

How to Grow Fatsia Spider Web - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • False castor oil plant
  • Fatsi
  • Fatsia japonica
  • Japanese aralia
  • Paper plant

Good to Know

  • Fatsia spider webs are large, strong and sticky, making them ideal for catching prey.
  • The webbing of a fatsia spider is also used to produce silk, which is used to make their cocoons.
  • Fatsia spiders are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
  • These spiders are nocturnal hunters that use their webs to trap their prey.
  • Fatsia spider webs can reach up to 2 metres in diameter.
  • The spiderlings of a fatsia spider are capable of spinning their own webs within 24 hours of hatching.
  • Fatsia spiders generally only live for around two years.
  • These spiders are not considered to be dangerous to humans.
  • Fatsia spiders are sometimes kept as pets.
  • The scientific name for the fatsia spider is Argiope keyserlingi.

Related plant:
Fatsia Polycarpa Green Fingers

Planting Process

  1. For fatsia spider web, first step is to grow your fatsia in a location that offers partial to full shade and has moist, humus-rich soil.
  2. Next, water your fatsia regularly during the growing season, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  3. Fertilize your fatsia yearly with a general purpose fertilizer.
  4. In late winter or early spring, prune your fatsia to shape it as desired.
  5. Once your fatsia is established, it will produce small white flowers in the late summer or early fall.
  6. These flowers will be followed by black berries which are enjoyed by birds.
  7. If you wish to collect the berries, wait until they are fully ripe and then pick them before the birds get to them!
  8. To propagate fatsia spider web, you can take stem cuttings in the spring or divide an older plant.
  9. When taking stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem and cut it into sections that are about 6 inches long.
  10. Plant the stem cuttings in moist potting soil and keep them in a warm, humid location until they root (this usually takes about 4-6 weeks).

Related plant:
Fatsia Japonica Spiders Web

Soil Condition

About soil condition, it is best to have well-draining soil for your Fatsia. This means that the soil should not be too wet or too dry. The best way to determine if your soil is well-draining is to do a simple test. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If the soil is too dry, it will crumble. If the soil is too wet, it will stick to your finger. If the soil is just right, it will have a crumbly texture.

Light condition

Just like other spider webs, a fatsia spider web is very delicate and can be easily damaged. The web is also quite sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Because of these factors, it's important to keep the web in an area where there is little or no direct sunlight.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is ideal for the fatsia spider web. The temperature is cool and the humidity is high, which is perfect for the spider web. The spider web will be able to trap the moisture and keep the web strong.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70%. Fatsia spider web can tolerate lower humidity but the leaves may start to droop and the plant may become less vigorous. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to brown and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a slow-release type of fertilizer. Osmocote or something similar would be ideal and using it at half the recommended rate. For the root system, it is rather extensive and can be easily damaged. Therefore, when transplanting or moving this plant, be sure to take extra care not to break any of the roots.

Light requirement

Pruning fatsia spider webs is a bit different than pruning most other plants. The main difference is that you need to be careful not to damage the webbing. If you damage the webbing, it can be difficult to repair. To prune a fatsia spider web, start by cutting away any dead or damaged webbing. Next, cut back any long strands of webbing that are hanging down. Finally, trim away any excess webbing that is not needed. When pruning a fatsia spider web, it is important to use sharp scissors or pruning shears. This will help to prevent damage to the webbing.

The Propagation

Propagation of fatsia spider web is best done by division of the root ball. This can be done in early spring or late fall. Each division should have 3-5 roots. The divisions should be planted in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth it was growing previously. After planting, water well and mulch around the base of the plant.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 2 and 6 inches a year, with some plants being able to grow up to 12 inches in a year. The size of a fatsia spider web at maturity can vary greatly, with some plants only reaching 2 feet tall, while others can grow up to 20 feet tall.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are its leaves getting yellow and then brown, and its stems becoming weak and floppy. These problems are usually caused by too much sun or too little water. To fix them, give the plant more water and move it to a spot that gets less sun.

Tips on Growing

  • If you have a fatsia spider web plant that is not growing well, try moving it to a sunnier location. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun.
  • Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Spider webs need well-drained soil so be sure to provide good drainage.
  • Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  • Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
  • Spider webs are susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Check your plant regularly and treat accordingly if you see any pests.
  • If your plant gets too large, you can prune it back. Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil.
  • Fatsia spider webs are generally low-maintenance plants, but they may need occasional pruning to keep them looking their best.

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  • Aralia spin

Source:
Plants That Survive & Thrive on the OBX – Fatsia | North Carolina ...
Fatsia Japonica Spider Web in a 3lt Pot 20-30cm ... - berjayatvet.edu…
Fatsia japonica - University of Florida

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