Japanese Aralia

Botanical Name: Fatsia japonica

Japanese aralia is a member of the Araliaceae family commonly grown outdoors in frost-free climates. Indoors, it can be kept small by regular pruning. Cut it back drastically in spring -- by half when necessary -- and pinch off growing tips to encourage branching.

Long, upright leaf stems hold glossy, lobed leaves with pointed tips. Each leaf has between 7-9 lobes and can reach up to 12 in (30 cm) across. Clusters of creamy-white flowers may appear on mature plants in fall, followed by green fruit that turn black as they ripen. However, it rarely flowers indoors.

This fast-growing, evergreen shrub is easy to care for. It seems to shrug off pests and diseases, and needs little attention to thrive. You can keep it happy by watering regularly and providing good drainage. Overwatering can cause root rot. You can move it outdoors in summer if you want. Just be sure to put it in a shaded spot outside, because direct sun can burn its leaves.

This plant needs a rest in winter. Move it to a cool spot where the temperature doesn't dip below 45°F/7°C and water less frequently.

Origin: Japan

Height: To 6 ft (1.8 m) indoors

Light: Bright light, no strong summer sun.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist spring through fall, slightly drier in winter.

Humidity: Average indoor humidity

Temperature: 50-55°F, 10-13°C nights; 60-65°F, 16-18°C days

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take stem cuttings in spring.