What are the cultivation methods and precautions for Fatsia japonica?

Other names for Fatsia japonica

Eight-hand plant, eight hands, hand tree, jingang cuan.

Morphological characteristics of Fatsia japonica

Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching up to 5 m in height. Its foliage stays glossy and green in all four seasons, and the leaves look like green palms. It is shade-tolerant, and in gardens it is often planted beside rockeries or next to large trees; it can also be used as a foliage plant for indoor display in halls and meeting rooms.

Growth habits of Fatsia japonica

Fatsia japonica is a subtropical tree species that prefers shady, humid and warm climates. It is not tolerant of drought or severe cold. In the Nanjing and Shanghai area, it should be planted in spots with a favorable microclimate, in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil; it can also adapt to neutral soil. Its ability to send up suckers is fairly strong.

Variety classification of Fatsia japonica

(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-striped Fatsia japonica, with fine yellow lines on the leaves;

(4) Lobed Fatsia japonica, with palmately deeply lobed leaves, and each lobe further divided;

(5) White-edged Fatsia japonica, with white leaf margins;

(6) Wavy-edged Fatsia japonica, with wavy, crinkled leaf margins;

(7) Dwarf Fatsia japonica, short in stature, with dense branches and leaves and vigorous growth.

Value of Fatsia japonica

Medicinal value: the leaves, roots and bark of Fatsia japonica can be used medicinally. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, dispelling wind and removing dampness, and removing blood stasis and relieving pain. It is mainly used for traumatic injuries, cough with copious phlegm, rheumatic arthralgia and gout.

Ornamental value: Fatsia japonica stays green all year round and has large leaves. Its leaf shape is elegant, and it is deep green and glossy, making it a highly popular indoor foliage plant. It adapts to low-light indoor environments and is a commonly used plant material for beautifying hotels, restaurants, office buildings and homes. It is used to decorate entrance halls, windowsills, corridors and poolside areas, or as a base planting for indoor flower beds.

Air purification: Fatsia japonica has a strong air-purifying effect and absorbs harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene very well. After renovating a new home, placing a pot of Fatsia japonica can have a very good air-purifying effect.

Flower language of Fatsia japonica

The flower language of Fatsia japonica is: wealth coming from all directions, gathering the vitality of the four quarters, and rising to a higher level. It is very suitable for placing at home, has the effect of bringing in wealth, and is also suitable for use as a gift, and is very popular among people.