Fatsia japonica - Paper Plant

The Paper Plant is a striking and recognisable houseplant which can sometimes be grown outdoors in coastal or warmer parts of the UK. Here, it is unlikely to reach heights of 6-10ft (2-3m) as it does in its natural habitat, but it can still grow to be quite the statement plant in your home. Its large leaves are split into sections like a hand but with seven or eight fingers instead of the usual five. The glossy green of its leaves catches the eye and with their striking shape makes a great impact as a houseplant. For an easygoing houseplant that copes well in ambient British conditions, why not give this Fatsia a whirl?

Scientific Name
Fatsia japonica (Japanese plant with eight-fronded leaves)

Synonyms: Aralia japonica, Aralia sieboldii, Dimorphanthus japonicus, Echinopanax japonicus, Aralia brownii, Fatsia japonica var. lobulata, Fatsia japonica var. liukiuensis, Aralia sieboldii var. variegata

This plant was originally described as Aralia japonica in 1780, but was reclassified into the new Fatsia genus in 1854.

Common Name
Japanese Aralia, Paper Plant, False Castor Oil Plant, Paperplant, Finger Plant, Glossy Leaf Paper Plant

Origin
The Paper Plant is native to subtropical East Asia, ranging from Korea through Japan to Nansei-shoto

Light
Flexible with light levels, this Fatsia would like to be within a few metres of a window and can adapt to some direct sun but won't like the harshest summer rays. As long as the natural light is bright enough to read a newspaper, it can get enough light.

Water
Water when the top third of the soil has dried out, and remember to reduce watering in the colder months. In a darker location, it will need less watering to avoid root rot; close to a window make sure it gets enough and watch out for crispy leaf edges as a sign of a thirsty plant.

Humidity
Average humidity should be fine for this plant, but if your Fatsia consistently has crispy brown edges to its leaves and is getting enough water in the soil, it may benefit from the introduction of a pebble tray to increase local humidity.

Soil
Use a mix that retains moisture well; components like coir, perlite and bark will ensure this, and adding some sand and zeolite will help it to drain extra water away. A mix designed for Ficus plants will work well here.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
This plant is half-hardy, so can stand winter temperatures down to -5°C, however it will grow best above 10°C, making it especially suited to growing indoors. Temperatures between 15-30°C should promote good growth.

Pet-safe
No; this plant is not toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset in, and irritate the mouths of, pets who have had a nibble.

Sprouts Top Tips
Balance your light and water conditions, and keep your watering regular - regular to the rate the soil dries out, that is, rather than the exact number of days between waters. The amount of water your plant will get through depends on how much light it gets; the more light it gets, the sooner it will need more water.