What are the growing environment requirements for Fatsia japonica?
Fatsia japonica, also known as Ba Jin Pan, Ba Shou and Shou Shu, originated in Taiwan, China and Japan. It prefers warmth, fears intense heat, is relatively tolerant of moisture, fears drought, is extremely shade-tolerant, fears strong direct sunlight, and has strong resistance to harmful gases. It is best grown in a relatively shady environment with moist, loose, fertile soil, and the winter temperature should not fall below minus 5 degrees.
Fatsia japonica, also known as Ba Jin Pan, Ba Shou and Shou Shu, originated in Taiwan, China and Japan. It prefers warmth, fears intense heat, is relatively tolerant of moisture, fears drought, is extremely shade-tolerant, fears strong direct sunlight, and has strong resistance to harmful gases. It is best grown in a relatively shady environment with moist, loose, fertile soil, and the winter temperature should not fall below minus 5 degrees. It can be kept indoors for viewing over the long term, and outdoors it can be planted in weakly lit environments such as the north side of buildings and under elevated bridges.
Let us first look at the growing habits of Fatsia japonica. It likes warm and humid environments, has strong shade tolerance and weak drought tolerance; it dislikes high temperatures or cold weather; it likes fertile sandy soil; and its light requirements are moderate. So how do you grow Fatsia japonica? The detailed methods are below.
Growing methods and precautions for Fatsia japonica
I. Suitable soil conditions for growing Fatsia japonica
1. Good air permeability
The better the air permeability of the soil, the more fully the roots and stems can breathe. Therefore, when choosing soil for Fatsia japonica, humus-rich sandy soil is best.
2. Good drainage
The soil used for growing plants must have good drainage, so that when watering, the water can cover all the soil and allow all the roots to absorb moisture evenly.
3. Neutral or slightly acidic soil
In the growing methods and precautions for Fatsia japonica, neutral or slightly acidic soil should be chosen, while alkaline soils such as clay loam, fine sandy soil and saline-alkali soil are not suitable for growing Fatsia japonica.
II. Suitable temperature for Fatsia japonica
In terms of temperature, the most suitable temperature for growing Fatsia japonica is 10-25 degrees, so a daytime temperature of around 18 degrees and a nighttime temperature of around 12 degrees are relatively suitable.
Precautions: High temperatures can make the leaves of Fatsia japonica thinner and drooping, so during sustained high temperatures in summer, cooling measures should be taken; when the temperature is below 7 degrees, growth may be hindered, so try to keep the ambient temperature above 7 degrees.
III. Light requirements for Fatsia japonica
Light is the key factor in whether the leaves are emerald green, so in terms of light, how do you grow Fatsia japonica? The answer is to keep it in a semi-shady environment while ensuring sufficient light, with a sunlight intensity of 50-60%.
Precautions: Direct sunlight may cause sunscald, so shading should be provided in summer; long-term lack of light will lead to small leaves, so to keep the leaves attractive, do not place Fatsia japonica in a dark environment lacking light.
IV. Watering and fertilizing
1. Watering
Watering needs to be adjusted according to the climate and growth stage, with the principle of keeping the soil moist, and in summer or during high temperatures, spray or sprinkle water on the leaves to increase the surrounding air humidity.
2. Fertilizing
During the vigorous growth period, that is, from April to October, fertilizer should be applied lightly and frequently, about once every 2 weeks, mainly liquid fertilizer, and fertilizing can stop after the temperature drops to 10 degrees.
Precautions: In winter, both watering and fertilizing should be reduced. Each watering should soak through, avoiding soil that is only moist on the surface while dry and compacted inside. In the growing methods and precautions for Fatsia japonica, this is closely related to the soil conditions.
V. Loosening the soil and repotting
1. Loosening the soil
Regularly loosening the soil for Fatsia japonica can improve soil air permeability, prevent the soil from becoming compacted, and help with the absorption of fertilizer and water.
2. Repotting
Repotting should be done once every 1-2 years, depending on the soil conditions and the growth rate of the plant. Repotting is generally carried out in April-May. A mix of 2 parts humus soil or peat soil plus 1 part river sand or perlite can be used, or fine sand can be used for cultivation, which is beneficial to the growth of Fatsia japonica.
Precautions: When loosening the soil and repotting, try to avoid damaging the roots. Some old and rotten roots can be cut off, but do not dig into the main stem when removing the plant from the pot, otherwise diseases are likely to occur.
Fatsia japonica Fatsia japonica Illustrated Guide: How to grow Fatsia japonica / How to propagate Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica profileFatsia japonica Fatsia japonica
Growing methods and precautions for Fatsia japonica Introduction to Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica, as the name suggests, refers to its palm-shaped leaves, with about 8 leaf lobes, named because it appears to have 8 corners. Its foliage is glossy and green in all four seasons, and the leaves are like green palms. It is shade-tolerant, often planted beside rockeries or large trees in gardens, and can also be used as a foliage plant indoors, displayed in halls and meeting venues.
The flowering period of Fatsia japonica is generally between summer and autumn, and some can continue until late autumn and early winter. The white flowers form terminal conical cymes, blooming one after another, which is very beautiful. After flowering, it produces black berries containing seeds. Fatsia japonica is a strongly shade-loving plant, green in all four seasons, and can be kept indoors for viewing all year round.
Morphological characteristics of Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica, also known as Ba Shou and Shou Shu, is an evergreen shrub of the Araliaceae family. Its leaves are nearly round, the plant is 1-2 m tall, and the base produces clustered stems. The leaves have 5-9 lobes, are large and glossy, and it is named because its leaves mostly have 8 lobes and sometimes have golden-yellow edges. The flowers are yellow-white or pale green. They gather into terminal conical cymes and open from October to November. Although the flowers are not showy, they are quite elegant, and it is often used as a potted foliage plant.
Evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 5 m tall. Stems smooth and thornless. Petioles 10-30 cm long; leaves large, leathery, nearly round, 12-30 cm in diameter, palmately 7-9-parted, lobes long-elliptic-ovate, apex shortly acuminate, base cordate, margin with distant coarse serrations, upper surface dark bright green, lower surface lighter, with granular protrusions, margin sometimes golden-yellow; lateral veins raised on both surfaces, reticulate veins somewhat conspicuous beneath. Panicle terminal, 20-40 cm long; umbels 3-5 cm in diameter, inflorescence axis covered with brown tomentum; calyx nearly entire, glabrous; petals 5, ovate-triangular, 2.5-3 mm long, yellow-white, glabrous; stamens 5, filaments equal to petals in length; ovary inferior, 5-locular, each locule with 1 ovule; styles 5, separate; disk raised, semicircular. Fruit nearly spherical, 5 mm in diameter, black when ripe. Flowering period October-November, fruit ripening period April of the following year.
Evergreen shrub. Leaves large, palm-shaped, 5 to 7-parted, thick, glossy, margin serrate or wavy, green, sometimes with golden-yellow edges, petioles long, base thickened. Umbels gathered into terminal panicles, flowers white. Flowering period October to November. Berries spherical, purple-black, covered with white powder, ripening in May of the following year.
Ecological habits of Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica originated in the mountain forests near the warm coastal areas of Japan. It was introduced to China in earlier years and is now widely cultivated south of the Yangtze River as urban landscaping and garden ornament, especially in Taiwan. It is a subtropical tree species and likes a shady, humid and warm climate. It is not drought-tolerant and not cold-tolerant. In the Nanjing-Shanghai area, it should be planted in places with a favorable microclimate, and slightly acidic soil that drains well and is fertile is suitable; neutral soil can also be tolerated. Its sprouting ability is still strong.
It likes a warm and humid climate, is shade-tolerant, not drought-tolerant, and has some cold resistance. It is suitable for planting in moist sandy loam with good drainage.
Distribution range of Fatsia japonica
Native to the Ryukyu Islands, introduced and cultivated in Taiwan, and now widely cultivated in warm regions around the world.
Propagation methods of Fatsia japonica
It can be propagated by sowing, cuttings or division. After the fruit ripens in May, it can be sown immediately upon collection. Transplanting can be carried out after the weather warms in spring, and a soil ball is needed when transplanting. It can also be grown in pots.
After the fruit ripens in May, sow immediately upon collection. Under greenhouse cultivation conditions, cuttings can be taken throughout the year except in midsummer; the suitable periods are February-March and May-June, and the plum rain season is best for cuttings. Take small lateral branches sprouting from the base of the stem, about 10 cm long, and insert them into sand or vermiculite, taking care to shade and keep moist; they will root in half a month. Division is mostly carried out in spring when repotting. It can be grown in the open field in the Yangtze River basin. But seedlings from sowing need protection from cold in winter. In North China, it is grown in greenhouses, and the room temperature must not be lower than 5 degrees C; it can grow normally above 10 degrees C. During the growing season, keep the potting soil moist and apply topdressing regularly. In summer, stop topdressing and grow it under a shade shed, paying attention to ventilation and spraying water to cool it down. When the temperature exceeds 30 degrees C, the leaves tend to turn yellow, growth vigor declines, and it often suffers from diseases. After the fruit ripens in May, it can be sown immediately upon collection, and seedlings emerge half a month after sowing; the seedlings are very suitable for potted viewing. For current-year seedlings, protection from cold is needed in winter. Cuttings can be taken by hardwood cuttings in February-March, or by softwood cuttings in the plum rain season. Take robust lateral branches about 20 cm long with two or three leaves, insert them into sand, keep humid and shade them, and they root very easily. Division can be carried out in early spring when repotting; cut the clump apart with a sharp blade and plant the divisions separately in a shady, humid environment. Other management requirements are the same as for ordinary shrub division. Transplanting can be carried out after the weather warms in spring, and a soil ball is needed when transplanting. It can also be grown in pots. Use sowing, cuttings or air layering, with spring and autumn as the suitable periods, and the suitable temperature for seed germination is 15-20 degrees C.
Cultivation techniques for Fatsia japonica
Humus loam is best for cultivation. The cultivation site should be semi-shady, with about 50%-60% sunlight. Fatsia japonica leaves have a wide evaporation surface, so the growing medium should always remain suitably moist, and must not dry out and wilt, which would affect growth. It likes cool conditions and dislikes high temperatures, and the suitable growing temperature is about 13-23 degrees C. In summer, strive for coolness and ventilation.
After the fruit of Fatsia japonica ripens, harvest it immediately, otherwise it will fall naturally. After the fruit is collected, pile it in a corner and cover it well with a sand bag. After about a week, the fruit skin and flesh become soft and rot. Then put it into a sand bag and rub it, rubbing the flesh and skin to pieces, or put it into a small vat and mash it with a fine bamboo rake or reed rake, then rinse it in clean water, washing away the flesh and skin, and take out the clean seeds ready for sowing. The drill sowing method for Fatsia japonica is to open horizontal furrows on a prepared seedbed, with a furrow spacing of 15 cm to 20 cm and a furrow depth of 2 cm to 3 cm, then evenly scatter the seeds in the furrows and cover with soil. If the broadcast sowing method is used, first level the surface of the seedbed, press it slightly, then evenly scatter the seeds on the surface of the seedbed, then cover the seeds with soil sieved through a fine sieve, with a soil covering thickness of about 3 cm. Build an arched frame and cover it with plastic film to keep warm and moist. If the surface soil of the bed is found to be dry, water it in time to ensure the soil is always in a moist state. Generally, the seeds germinate in about 20 days. After the seedlings emerge, pay attention to shading. Black shade net with 50% or more than 50% shading can be used, or reed curtains can also be used for shading. After the seedlings grow 2 to 3 true leaves, carry out the first thinning, and the second thinning when the seedlings grow to more than 10 cm. Current-year seedlings can reach about 15 cm to 20 cm tall.
Cutting propagation of Fatsia japonica should be carried out in early spring or autumn. Choose 1-year-old to 3-year-old seedling stems as cuttings, with cuttings about 20 cm long and without leaves. After cutting, tie them in bundles of 50 and soak the base of the cuttings in 60 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid solution for about 20 hours, or soak them in 200 ppm ABT No. 1 rooting powder solution for 30 minutes to 60 minutes, then take them out and insert them.
Because the branches of Fatsia japonica are relatively thick, when taking cuttings, first make holes with a wooden stick similar in thickness to the cuttings, then insert them. The insertion depth is 2/3 of the cutting length, and the planting spacing is 10 cm x 20 cm. After inserting, firm the surrounding soil and water thoroughly. Spring cuttings are taken in March, and after insertion, build a frame for shading. Use black shade net with more than 50% shading, or reed curtains can also be used. If reed curtains are used for shading, it is best to cover in the morning and uncover in the evening, so that the cuttings receive natural rain and dew. To ensure the water needed for the cuttings to root and grow leaves, water frequently so that the soil remains moist. For autumn cuttings, in addition to building a frame and covering with plastic film to keep moist and warm, shading should also be provided over the plastic film in the early stage.
After the seedlings root and grow leaves, weeds should be pulled early and thoroughly, so that weeds do not compete with the seedlings for nutrients and water. After the weeds are pulled clean, water once with dilute manure water for the new roots to absorb and promote seedling growth. Fatsia japonica is suitable for growing in fertile, loose soil with good drainage. The potting soil can be a mix of 3 parts garden soil plus 1 part rice husk ash, with a little base fertilizer added. In daily care, avoid direct sunlight and place it in a suitable semi-shady, well-ventilated environment such as the north side of a building. During the new leaf growth period, water somewhat more to keep the soil moist; afterward, watering should follow the principle of alternating dry and wet. When the climate is dry, also spray water on the plant and around it to increase humidity. From May to September, apply cake fertilizer water 2 times a month. If seeds are not to be kept after flowering, cut off the spent flower stems to avoid consuming nutrients. In winter, overwintering outdoors south of the Yangtze River is basically safe; for potted flowering seedlings, placing them in a cold room is safer.
Key maintenance pointsThis plant is native to Japan and Taiwan, China, and other places. It likes warm and humid environments, has strong shade tolerance, and is also relatively cold-tolerant; it likes moisture and fears drought, and is suitable for growing in fertile, loose soil with good drainage. When planted in the ground, Fatsia japonica grows best in semi-shady, moist places such as forest edges and ditch sides, and potted management is also convenient. The potting soil can be a mix of 3 parts garden soil plus 1 part rice husk ash, and adding a little base fertilizer is better. Potting should be done before sprouting in spring. When the plant is relatively tall, it can be properly cut back to suit potted viewing. In daily care, avoid direct sunlight and place it in a suitable semi-shady, well-ventilated environment such as the north side of a building. During the new leaf growth period, water somewhat more to keep the soil moist; afterward, watering should follow the principle of alternating dry and wet. When the climate is dry, also spray water on the plant and around it to increase humidity. From May to September, apply cake fertilizer water 2 times a month. If seeds are not to be kept after flowering, cut off the spent flower stems to avoid consuming nutrients. In winter, overwintering outdoors south of the Yangtze River is basically safe; for potted flowering seedlings, placing them in a cold room is safer.
Precautions
1. Causes of yellow-brown spots on Fatsia japonica leaves
Through observation, we found yellow-brown spots on the leaves, petioles and stems of Fatsia japonica. The lesions on the leaves were round, later expanding into irregular large patches, and after reaching a certain number, the leaves began to curl and wither. At the same time, we also found that the spots were contagious, and Fatsia japonica beside the diseased plants were also infected with spots. Through observation, searching for information and consulting experts, we learned that the Fatsia japonica had anthracnose.
2. Small insects on Fatsia japonica
During field observation, we found small red insects on the backs of Fatsia japonica leaves. Through investigation and verification, we believe these are scale insects. Scale insects pierce and suck sap on the backs of leaves and at petioles, and affected plants have pale leaf color, appearing yellow-green. The secretions of scale insects can cause sooty mold, reducing ornamental value.
3. Reasons why Fatsia japonica leaves droop
For various reasons, Fatsia japonica leaves may droop. The possible reasons for drooping leaves in Fatsia japonica are introduced below:
1. The potting soil is too dry, causing the leaves to droop. Because Fatsia japonica is not drought-tolerant, keeping the potting soil moist is key. But you should also follow the rule of not watering until the surface soil is dry, and it is best to water when the surface soil just begins to look pale.
2. The potting soil is too wet, causing root rot. You can take the plant out of the pot, remove the soil, cut off the rotten root system, replace with new soil and replant, water thoroughly, and place it in a cool place.
3. Fertilizer is too concentrated, causing root burn. Take the plant out of the pot, wash the roots with clean water, rinse several times continuously, then soak the roots in clean water. After the leaves recover, replace with new soil and replant.
Medicinal or dietary therapeutic value of Fatsia japonica
The medical information and health dietary information on Huahua Net are for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. For any health problem, consult professional medical personnel, and for the treatment of any disease, follow the doctor's advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting task: To love yourself, start from reality and strictly follow the doctor's advice. For illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope, face it bravely, warm the silent world with love, and care for the flower field in your heart with your heart.
Medicinal value
Leaves, roots and bark are used medicinally. Source: the root bark of Fatsia japonica, a dicotyledonous medicinal plant of the Araliaceae family.
[Nature, flavor and meridian entry]: Pungent, slightly warm; enters the liver and kidney meridians. Fatsia japonica
[Dosage and usage]: Internal use: decoct in water, 6-9 grams; external use: decoct in water and wash.
[Ecological environment]: It is mostly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens in North China, East China and Kunming, Yunnan. Native to southern Japan.
[Various discussions]: "Taiwan Medicinal Plants" (Taiwan, China): The leaves and roots are white, used to treat traumatic injuries and remove blood stasis. Harvesting and storage: collect leaves in summer and autumn; the root bark can be collected throughout the year. Wash all, use fresh or dry in the sun.
[Main indications and effects]: Invigorate blood and resolve stasis. Resolve phlegm and relieve cough; dispel wind and remove dampness; resolve stasis and relieve pain. Mainly treats traumatic injuries. Cough with profuse phlegm; rheumatic arthralgia; gout.
Medication contraindication: pregnant women should take it with caution.
The stem is toxic and can cause immune system poisoning, mental poisoning, organ-damaging poisoning, etc.
There was one case in which taking it caused first-degree disability, with the patient bedridden all year round and suffering from abdominal bloating, in great pain.
Landscape uses of Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica is evergreen in all four seasons and has large leaves. The leaf shape is elegant, deep green and glossy, making it a very popular indoor foliage plant. It adapts to weak indoor light environments and is a commonly used plant material for beautifying hotels, restaurants, office buildings and homes. It is used to arrange entrance halls, windowsills, corridors and poolside areas, or as an underplanting for indoor flower beds. The leaves are also good auxiliary material for flower arranging. South of the Yangtze River basin, it can be used outdoors and is suitable for planting in gardens, corners and shady sides of buildings; it can also be used to decorate stream sides, pool banks, or planted in groups under forests and beside lawns.
Fatsia japonica is an excellent foliage plant. It can also be potted for indoor viewing.
Functions, uses and application value of Fatsia japonica
Fatsia japonica is an excellent foliage plant. It is suitable for planting in courtyards, beside doors, by windows, in wall corners and on the shady sides of buildings. It can also be used to decorate the sides of dripping streams, and can also be planted in groups along lawn edges and in woodland. It can also be grown in small pots for indoor viewing. It has strong resistance to sulfur dioxide and is suitable for planting in factory and mining areas and neighborhoods. Leaves, roots and bark can all be used medicinally.
Impact on the home environment
1. Absorbing harmful gases
It can absorb harmful gases such as carbon dioxide in the air and purify the air. In the houses where modern people live, many people often keep doors and windows tightly closed and seldom ventilate the air at home with outside air, letting harmful gases exhaled by people indoors be discharged outside. When these harmful gases accumulate to a certain amount indoors, the indoor air also becomes more and more turbid. Moreover, urban air quality is getting worse and worse today. If Fatsia japonica is grown at home, it can absorb part of the carbon dioxide and other harmful gases exhaled by people, purify the air, and make the owner's life more comfortable.
2. Greening the indoor environment
Fatsia japonica is evergreen in all four seasons and is a very good indoor decorative plant with extremely high ornamental value, and the flowers it produces are also very elegant. Growing a Fatsia japonica indoors to green the indoor environment is a very good choice. In terms of cultivation, it also does not require the owner to spend much effort. Keeping it in a courtyard, beside a door, by a window, in a wall corner and on the shady side of a building is enough, and the owner can also enjoy its lush green appearance at any time.
Variety classification of Fatsia japonica
The main cultivated varieties of Fatsia japonica include:
(1) White-spotted Fatsia japonica, with white spots on the leaf surface;
(2) Yellow-spotted Fatsia japonica, with yellow spots on the leaf surface;
(3) Yellow-veined Fatsia japonica, with fine yellow lines on the leaves;
(4) Lobed Fatsia japonica, with palmately deeply lobed leaves, each lobe further divided;
(5) White-edged Fatsia japonica, with white leaf margins;
(6) Wavy-edged Fatsia japonica, with wavy, wrinkled leaf margins;
(7) Dwarf Fatsia japonica, short in stature, with dense branches and leaves and vigorous growth.
Flower language of Fatsia japonica
Wealth from all directions, gathering the vitality of the four quarters, rising to a higher level.
Fatsia japonica pictures