Fatsia


Fatsia japonica is one of the most architecturally striking plants you can grow, with enormous glossy palmate leaves that immediately draw the eye. Originally from Japan and South Korea, Fatsia has long been grown outdoors in sheltered British gardens, but it is equally at home indoors as a bold statement houseplant. Its tolerance of shade, drought, and cool temperatures makes it one of the most adaptable plants available - and few houseplants offer such dramatic impact for so little care.

At Grow Tropicals we stock Fatsia japonica in a range of sizes, from compact younger plants to large specimens capable of filling a room. Each plant is grown to a high standard and arrives in excellent condition.

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    Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web' 12cm Plants GrowTropicals

    Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'

    £15.99
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    Fatsia Japonica: Care, Varieties & Growing Guide

    Fatsia japonica as a houseplant

    Most people think of Fatsia japonica as a garden shrub, and in mild parts of the UK it thrives outdoors in sheltered positions. But grown indoors it is a remarkable houseplant - fast-growing, architectural, and tolerant of conditions that would defeat most tropical species. The leaves are the main attraction: deep glossy green, deeply lobed like an outstretched hand, and up to 40 cm across on a well-fed specimen. A mature indoor Fatsia can easily reach 1.5-2 metres in height, making it one of the most impactful statement plants available.

    How to care for Fatsia japonica

    Fatsia prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate surprisingly low light levels - it is one of the few large-leaved plants that genuinely copes with a north-facing room. Water when the top half of the compost feels dry, allowing excess to drain freely. Fatsia does not like sitting in water and is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Feed monthly from spring to autumn with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Keep the large leaves clean by wiping them occasionally with a damp cloth - this helps the plant absorb light efficiently and keeps spider mites at bay.

    Temperature and positioning

    One of Fatsia's great advantages as a houseplant is its tolerance of cool temperatures. It thrives between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius and can handle brief cold snaps better than most tropical houseplants. Avoid positioning near radiators or in hot, dry air, which causes leaf drop. Fatsia can spend summer months outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot and brought back indoors before the first frosts. It benefits from good air circulation and does not like stagnant, stuffy rooms.

    Varieties and related plants

    Fatsia japonica is the most widely grown species, but there are several cultivars worth seeking out. 'Variegata' has leaves edged in creamy white and is particularly striking. 'Spider's Web' has a more intricate white speckled pattern across the whole leaf. x Fatshedera lizei is a hybrid between Fatsia and ivy that produces a climbing or sprawling plant with smaller lobed leaves - an excellent choice for covering a wall or trellis in a cool, shaded position.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes - Fatsia japonica makes an excellent houseplant. It is well suited to indoor growing because it tolerates shade, cool temperatures, and lower humidity than most tropical houseplants. Its large, glossy leaves create a dramatic architectural effect. Indoors it can reach 1.5-2 metres in height given good light and regular feeding.

    Fatsia prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low light well. Water when the top half of the compost dries out, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Wipe the large leaves occasionally with a damp cloth. Fatsia prefers cooler temperatures (10-20 degrees Celsius) and does not like hot, dry air near radiators.

    Drooping leaves on Fatsia are usually caused by overwatering or underwatering - check the compost moisture. Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering, root rot, or sudden temperature changes. Fatsia will also drop leaves if moved abruptly from low to high light, or if positioned near a heat source. Ensure the pot has good drainage and let the compost dry out partially between waterings.

    Yes - Fatsia japonica is hardy in most parts of the UK (typically to around minus 5 degrees Celsius) and thrives outdoors in sheltered, shaded positions in milder regions. It is particularly well suited to coastal and urban gardens. In colder areas it benefits from some winter protection. It can also be grown in containers and moved indoors during hard frosts.

    Fatsia japonica is a fast-growing plant both outdoors and indoors. In a container with regular feeding, it can put on 30-50 cm of growth per year under good conditions. The large leaves develop quickly in spring and summer. If growth becomes too large for the space, Fatsia responds well to pruning - cut back to a node and the plant will resprout with multiple new shoots.

    Fatsia japonica is considered mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities, due to saponins in the leaves and berries. It is listed as potentially harmful to cats and dogs if eaten, though serious toxicity is uncommon. It is advisable to keep Fatsia out of reach of pets that regularly chew plants. Contact a vet if you suspect your pet has consumed a significant amount of the plant.