Fatsia japonica (Paper Plant) – Evergreen Houseplant (12cm Pot)

Fatsia japonica, better known as the Paper Plant or Japanese Aralia, is a bold houseplant grown for its huge, glossy, deeply lobed leaves that give any room an instant architectural, jungle-like feel.

It is naturally shade tolerant and settles happily into dim corners, hallways and bathrooms where few other houseplants cope, though it is equally at home in a bright room out of direct sun. On a mature plant, small creamy-white globe flowers appear in autumn into early winter, followed by black berries, both of which are harmful if eaten, so site it carefully if you have young children or pets who like to nibble.

Supplied in a nursery pot, it likes a spot with bright, indirect light to light shade, away from strong direct sun which can scorch the leaves. Water moderately, letting the top of the compost dry out a little between waterings, as overwatering is the most common problem, and feed with a balanced liquid feed every few weeks through spring and summer.

Maintenance is otherwise low: an occasional wipe of the leaves keeps them glossy and dust-free, and it is a reasonably quick grower that will need repotting into a slightly larger pot every year or two.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Paper Plant, Japanese Aralia
• Botanical Name: Fatsia japonica
• Eventually Reaches: 100-400cm tall and 100-400cm wide
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, architectural evergreen shrub grown as a houseplant
• Perfect For: Shaded hallways, bathrooms, living rooms and low-light corners indoors
• Foliage: Large, glossy, deeply lobed dark green leaves
• Flowering Time: Autumn into early winter, on mature plants
• Flower Colour: Creamy white
• Planting Position: Bright, indirect light to light shade; keep out of direct sun
• Hardiness: Grown as a houseplant in the UK; keep away from cold draughts and frost
• Maintenance: Low. Water moderately, letting the top of the compost dry out between waterings, and feed occasionally in the growing season
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage year round, with autumn to winter flowers on mature plants
• Type: Evergreen houseplant