Japanese Aralia Fatsia japonica 'Moseri'
ABOUT
Fatsia japonica 'Moseri', commonly known as Japanese aralia, is a lush and attractive shrub known for its large, hand-like leaves. Each glossy, dark green leaf is deeply lobed with anywhere from seven to nine finger-like sections, giving it a palmate or somewhat star-shaped appearance. The leaves are borne on long petioles, adding to the plant's tropical look. Throughout the cooler months, the Japanese aralia produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers that are ball-shaped and give way to small, black fruit. Although the fruits are not particularly ornamental, they do add an additional layer of interest following the flowering period. The overall impression of the Japanese aralia is of a robust and tropical plant, giving a bold visual presence wherever it is grown. Its lush foliage and intriguing floral structures make it an eye-catching addition to any plant collection.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araliaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Aralia, Paperplant, Glossy-leaf Paper Plant, Fatsi, Fig-leaf Palm.
Common names
Fatsia japonica 'Moseri'
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese aralia is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals upon contact with its sap, or if any part of the plant is ingested. Ingesting parts of this plant can lead to symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is always best to keep any plant away from small children who might accidentally ingest it, and to handle with care to avoid contact with the sap if you have sensitive skin.
To pets
Japanese aralia is also considered to have low toxicity for pets, such as dogs and cats. However, if ingested, the plant can cause similar mild symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly drooling or abdominal pain due to the irritation of the stomach and intestines. It is advisable to prevent your pets from chewing on or consuming the plant to avoid these potential issues. If your pet does consume Japanese aralia and exhibits symptoms, contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Spread
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a lush, tropical look to gardens and indoor spaces with its large, glossy leaves.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Ornamental Fruit: Produces decorative blackberries that add interest to the plant in the fall and winter.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create a natural privacy barrier in gardens or on patios.
- Drought Tolerance: Exhibits some resistance to drought once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Urban Tolerant: Adapts well to urban environments, tolerating some level of pollution and confined soil spaces.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of landscaping uses including borders, container gardening, and as a specimen plant.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and seasonal berry production.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries can attract birds, providing food for wildlife during the colder months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fatsia japonica 'Moseri', commonly known as Japanese aralia, can be used as an artistic muse for its unique shape and deep green leaves, inspiring designers and artists alike.
- In terrariums or bottle gardens, Japanese aralia's ability to thrive in humid, indirect light conditions makes it an excellent option for creating miniature landscapes inside glass containers.
- This plant can be used in the study of shade tolerance in plants, as it is known for its ability to grow in low light conditions, providing useful data for horticulturists and botanists.
- The leaves of Japanese aralia can be used as natural stencils for craft projects, tracing their intricate shapes onto various surfaces for decorative effect.
- In photography, Japanese aralia adds a lush, tropical feel to still life compositions or as a background element in portraiture, enriching the visual texture.
- As a living privacy screen in small gardens or balconies, its dense foliage can block unwanted views while adding greenery to urban environments.
- Japanese aralia's prominent vein structure within its leaves can be a tool for teaching children and students about plant biology and leaf anatomy.
- For costume and prop design in theater or film, the bold leaves of Japanese aralia can be incorporated into sets to emulate a stylized forest or an exotic locale.
- In culinary presentations, though not edible, the leaves can serve as a decorative base for plating dishes, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
- Within the fashion industry, the distinct leaves of Japanese aralia have been used as inspiration for patterns and motifs in textile design and jewelry creation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Aralia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Aralia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Fatsia japonica 'Moseri', commonly known as Japanese aralia, can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing adaptability and strength to overcome adversity.
- Growth: With its lush foliage that grows vigorously, the Japanese aralia symbolizes personal growth and expansion.
- Protection: The broad, hand-shaped leaves of the Japanese aralia are often seen as symbols of protection, offering a shield against negative forces.
- Abundance: The dense and expansive nature of its leaves can signify abundance and prosperity, mirroring its voluminous growth habit.
WaterThe Japanese Aralia should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once a week. It's essential to water deeply, so water slowly until it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the root system gets enough moisture. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may need to be watered more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to provide about a half-gallon of water for a medium-sized plant every week, adjusting based on the specific conditions of your home, like humidity and temperature. In winter, reduce watering to every other week as the plant's growth slows down.
LightJapanese Aralia prefers bright, indirect light to flourish. A spot near a window that offers filtered light, or a location that receives morning sun followed by dappled afternoon shade, is ideal. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially during the summer months, as this can scorch the leaves and compromise the plant's health.
TemperatureJapanese Aralia thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and is hardy at a minimum temperature of 50°F. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F as cold drafts and sudden temperature drops can damage the plant. It's also important to keep the plant away from heat sources like radiators or vents, as they can dry out the foliage.
PruningPrune your Japanese Aralia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. This can be done annually, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems to keep the plant healthy; additionally, cut back any leggy growth to promote a fuller appearance. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the last frost in spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Paper Plant prefers a rich, well-draining soil mixture, with a good portion of peat moss or compost to retain some moisture. Aim for a soil pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of two parts potting soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part peat moss or organic compost is ideal for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Paper Plant should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure it has enough space to grow and fresh soil for nutrients. It's best to repot in spring or early summer when the plant is entering a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Paper Plant thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 75%. To maintain these levels, especially in drier indoor environments, regular misting or a small humidifier can be beneficial for the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in indirect light, away from drafts, water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Shelter from strong winds, partial shade, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleFatsia japonica 'Moseri', commonly known as glossy-leaf paper plant, starts its life as a seed, which upon germination gives rise to a seedling with embryonic leaves. As it grows, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a rosette of large, glossy, dark green leaves and a sturdy stem. During its mature phase, the glossy-leaf paper plant produces distinctive globular clusters of small white flowers in the late autumn to early winter months, attracting pollinators. After pollination, these flowers give way to small, inedible, black fruit. The plant can live for many years, developing a woody stem and reaching heights of up to 6 feet, with its evergreen foliage providing year-round interest. As a perennial, the glossy-leaf paper plant can go through its bloom cycle annually, and with proper care, can live and reproduce for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Fatsia japonica 'Moseri', commonly known as Japanese Aralia, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Typically, the ideal time for this method is late summer when the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is taken from a healthy parent plant, making a clean cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf node is below the surface, as this is where the roots will form. The pot is kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight, and the medium is kept moist but not waterlogged until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new Japanese Aralia plant can be potted up and grown on to maturity.
