Maintenance Landscaping Design

Variegated fatsia japonica is a popular houseplant that is known for its large, glossy leaves. The leaves of this plant are variegated with green and white stripes. This plant is native to Japan and Korea and grows best in shady areas. The variegated fatsia japonica is an easy plant to care for and is tolerant of both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Also known as

• Yellow Fatia
  
• Variegated Japanese Aralia
  
• Aralia japonica 'Variegata'
  
• Aralia japonica 'Fatsia'
  
• Fatsia japonica 'Variegata'

Basic info

• The plant is native to Japan and Korea.
  
• It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be 10 feet tall.
  
• The leaves are large and have a variegated (multi-colored) appearance.
  
• The flowers are white and bloom in the fall.
  
• The plant is often used as an ornamental shrub in gardens.
  
• It is easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance.
  
• It is resistant to pests and diseases.
  
• It can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
  
• It prefers well-drained, moist soil.
  
• It can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings.

Related plant:
Variegated Dogwood Tree

Growing Steps

1. For variegated fatsia japonica, first step is to get a planting pot that has drainage holes.
   
2. Next, fill the pot 3/4 full with a good quality potting mix or all-purpose garden soil.
   
3. Once the pot is filled, create a small mound in the center of the pot.
   
4. Next, take your plant and gently remove it from its current pot.
   
5. Place the plant on the mound in the center of the new pot.
   
6. Begin to fill in around the plant with the potting mix, tamping it down as you go.
   
7. Once the plant is fully covered, water it in well.
   
8. Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
   
9. Water your plant regularly, allowing the potting mix to dry out somewhat between waterings.
   
10. fertilize your plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Related plant:
Variegated Evergreen Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, the best thing for this plant is a rich, well-drained soil mix. This plant does not like soggy soil, so make sure the soil mix is not too dense. You can either make your own soil mix or buy a commercially made one. If you make your own, make sure to add some organic matter to the mix.

Light requirement

Like the other plants in your home, the variegated fatsia japonica needs sun to grow. Put it in a bright spot near a window where it will get at least four hours of sunlight each day. If you can give it more sun, it will do even better.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for the variegated fatsia japonica is that it should be in a cool to warm environment. It can tolerate some sun, but not too much direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. They can survive periods of lower humidity but their leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant does best with a well-balanced fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every other week during the growing season, and once a month during the winter. Be sure to root your plant in a good quality potting soil.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for a variegated fatsia japonica. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. It is best to prune in the spring, after the plant has finished blooming. To prune, simply remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems.

About Propagating

Propagation of variegated fatsia japonica is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be placed in a planting mix that is moist but well drained. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cuttings to promote root growth. Cuttings should be placed in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Once roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the landscape.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast when they are young. They can grow three feet in one season when they are actively growing. However, their growth will slow down as they mature. A ten-year-old fatsia japonica may only grow one foot in a season.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root and stem rot, leaf spots, and powdery mildew. These problems are often caused by too much moisture or humid conditions. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant in well-drained soil and keep the area around the plant free of debris.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your variegated fatsia in a location that gets partial to full sun.
  
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize monthly with a general purpose fertilizer.
  
• Prune regularly to promote new growth and to keep the plant from getting too large.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests such as aphids and scale, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
  
• For best results, divide the plant every few years to keep it vigorous.
  
• propagate by rooting stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
  
• Variegated fatsia can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, so be sure to provide good air circulation around the plant.
  
• This plant is also deer and rabbit resistant.
  
• The variegated fatsia can reach a height

Substitution

• Japonica rice (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Haskap (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Fatsia (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Blackberry lily (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Snake plant (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Buxus (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Persimmon (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Camellia (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Snowdrops (variegated fatsia japonica)
  
• Trachycarpus (variegated fatsia japonica)
  

Source:
Fatsia Japonica - University of Florida, Institute of Food and ...
Fatsia - Tree Campus - Shoreline Community College
Fatsia japonica Provides Gorgeous Winter Blooms