The Latest Complete Guide to Fatsia japonica Growing Methods and Precautions
Fatsia japonica is also known as Ba Jin Pan, Ba Shou, Jin Gang Zuan, etc. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Fatsia in the Araliaceae family. It is named for its palmate leaves, which have about 8 lobes that look like 8 angles. In gardens it is often planted beside rockeries or next to large trees, and it can also be used as a foliage plant indoors, in halls and meeting rooms. Now let's take a look at the growing methods and precautions for Fatsia japonica!
Is Fatsia japonica toxic?
The stem of Fatsia japonica is toxic, and can cause immune system poisoning, mental poisoning, organ-damaging poisoning, etc. Basically no one eats the stem of this plant raw, so it can be safely placed in the home. Many families like to display this Fatsia japonica. In feng shui, placing it in the entrance hall can block disasters from entering the door, and placing it in the bathroom can prevent loss of wealth and strengthen the female owner's health. Moreover, this plant can absorb large amounts of harmful gases, and its roots can also be used as a medicinal material.
Fatsia japonica Propagation Methods
1. Cuttings: Best done in March to April together with repotting. Select robust 2- to 3-year-old side branches with terminal buds, cut 15 cm-long cuttings from the upper part, and insert them with 2 to 3 leaves into a sand bed. Pay attention to shading and keeping the soil moist. In hot, dry weather, spray the leaves several times a day to maintain air humidity. At 20-25°C, roots generally form in 1 month, and the plants can be potted up in 2 months.
2. Division: This can be done together with spring repotting. Take the plant that has filled the pot out of the container, trim poorly growing roots, then cut the original plant clump into several clumps or plants, plant them into pots of suitable size, and place them in a ventilated, shady spot for care. After 2-3 weeks they can be returned to normal management. Division propagation should be done and planted immediately to increase the survival rate.
3. Sowing: Sowing propagation is carried out in late January after the seeds are collected. First allow the seeds to fully after-ripen, then sow them in a seedbed. Pay attention to shading and keep the seedbed soil moist. One month after sowing, they will germinate and emerge.
Fatsia japonica Growing Methods
1. Soil: Fatsia japonica is best planted in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil, though it can also adapt to neutral soil.
2. Watering: During the new leaf growth period, water Fatsia japonica a little more generously to keep the soil moist. After that, watering should follow the principle of alternating dry and wet. When the climate is dry, water should also be sprayed on the plant and its surroundings to increase humidity.
3. Sunlight: Fatsia japonica is a strongly shade-tolerant species and can be kept year-round indoors in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
4. Temperature: The most suitable growing temperature for Fatsia japonica is 15-20°C, and it must not go below 5°C. It can grow normally above 10°C. The temperature also must not be too high; if it exceeds 30°C, the leaves tend to turn yellow, growth vigor declines, and it often suffers from diseases.
5. Fertilizing: During the peak growth season, Fatsia japonica needs to be given diluted liquid fertilizer or compound flower fertilizer 1-2 times a month.