Japanese Aralia – Paperplant (Fatsia Japonica)Japanese Fatsi Glossy Leaf Paper Plant Shrub

Japanese Aralia – Paperplant (Fatsia Japonica) Japanese Fatsi Glossy Leaf Paper Plant Shrub 

Perennial

Height 3 M (10 ft)

Japanese Aralia, also known as Fatsia Japonica, glossy-leaf paper plant, fatsi, paperplant, and false castor oil plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae and is native to southern Japan and southern Korea. This Fatsia is an evergreen and tropical looking ornamental shrub that produces large (up to 1 ft) dark green and glossy palmate shaped leaves that are spirally arranged on slender stalks edged with coarse blunt teeth. Fatsia flowers are especially interesting - they are small white, and held in large dramatic clusters of rounded umbels (group of flowers radiating from a central point) above the foliage. Flowers appear from October to November and last for several weeks, followed by small black fruits (seed pods).

Inconsistent watering (including drought) and prolonged water-logging will result in root rot, foliage decline and stunted growth. If you live in colder climates and or you cannot offer the right growing conditions, and still want this plant, Japanese Aralia can be grown as a houseplant. Fatsia doesn’t respond well to transplanting - cuttings can be used - however, seed propagation is the best way to grow this plant. Growing a shrub from seed may seem like a long wait, however fatsia grows quite quickly. Propagating fatsia from seed is recommended; fatsia grows 8 to 12 in (20.5-30.5 cm.) per year and typically grow up to 10 ft (3 m.) tall and wide.

Fatsia is commonly grown as a large, rounded ornamental shrub in warm temperate regions where winters do not fall below about -15°C. F, and should be grown in part shade to shade, as sun and wind brown the leaves. Fatsia shoots, the fresh young sprouts of the plant, help stimulate the taste buds when mixed with proper seasoning (also has a unique scent), or when put on top of raw fish. It is good for those who suffer from gout, or who often complain of cold hands and feet.

• Full sun
• Part shade
• Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. use rich potting soil, adding compost if necessary. Seeds need warmth and light to germinate. Press the fresh seeds onto the surface of moist potting soil and cover with plastic; keep the soil warm and moist. Use warming mats under the starter pots, as fatsia seeds require bottom heat of around 80 F. (27 C.). Add a little water to the soil and cover the tops of pots with plastic wrap to keep seeds and soil.
• Once seedlings appear, remove the plastic; but keep the warming mat on until transplanting out.
• Transplant 3 in (7.5 cm.) seedlings to larger pots and keep them warm. You can transplant seedlings outside to their permanent beds once the soil outdoors has reached at least 70 F. (21 C.).
• Germination: up to 40 days
• Harvest: pick the berries when they are fully ripe (black), and soak for 24 hours/overnight and remove the flesh from the seeds.
• Seed Count: 10