How to Look After a Fatsia japonica Plant
Fatsia japonica is the botanical name for Japanese fatsia, or fatsia for short. The plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 11. Fatsia japonica is a moderately fast-maturing shrub, growing 8 to 12 inches per year. The plant is often grown for its tropical-looking leaves, but it also forms clusters of blooms in the fall from which shiny black berries appear. With a little extra care, a Fatsia japonica will thrive in your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prune back the entire Fatsia japonica by 2 to 4 feet to encourage a full, lush look. Do so in late winter before new growth appears. Alternatively, prune a third of the plant stems, choosing the oldest and tallest, back to the ground. This will help maintain the current size of the plant. Do this type of pruning anytime from late winter until late summer.
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Fertilize a Fatsia japonica once a year in the spring after the last frost. Select a slow-release fertilizer labeled for shrubs, and use the fertilizer as directed on the label.
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Keep the soil under the canopy of the Fatsia japonica moist, but not soggy. The plant will grow faster if the soil is kept slightly moist, although fatsia will tolerate dry soil conditions.
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Apply 2 to 3 inches of compost around the base of a Fatsia japonica. Compost helps keep the soil moist, and it will decompose, adding organic matter to the soil. Replenish the compost as necessary.
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