Variegated Japanese Aralia Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' (v)
ABOUT
The Fatsia japonica 'Variegata', commonly known as the variegated Japanese aralia, is a striking ornamental plant renowned for its unique foliage. This plant features large, glossy leaves that are deeply lobed, typically with 7 to 9 finger-like segments that resemble an open hand. The 'Variegata' variety is particularly admired for the creamy-white variegation that contrasts beautifully against the rich, dark green color of the leaves. Each leaf segment has irregular edges and the variegation can appear as spots, splashes, or broad sectors, giving a marbled or mottled effect that varies from one leaf to another. The Japanese aralia's leaves are held on stout, upright stems that emerge directly from the soil or from a central stem structure, creating a lush, tropical look. The variegation can cause this plant to have a slightly less dense canopy than the non-variegated types. In optimum conditions, the Japanese aralia can produce clusters of small, white, ball-shaped flowers in the fall or winter, followed by small, black, inedible fruits. However, it's primarily grown for its attractive, standout foliage that adds a bold statement to indoor spaces or shaded garden areas. The plant's overall appearance is one of lushness and vigor, making it a favorite among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts for creating visual interest and a touch of the exotic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araliaceae
Synonyms
Variegated Japanese Aralia, Variegated Paper Plant, Variegated False Castor Oil Plant
Common names
Fatsia japonica 'Variegata', Aralia japonica 'Variegata', Aralia sieboldii 'Variegata'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese aralia is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of the plant can cause mild irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is always best to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants due to their potential toxicity.
To pets
The Japanese aralia can be toxic to pets if ingested. The symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Cats and dogs may also experience drooling, reduced appetite, and lethargy. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, you should contact a veterinarian to seek appropriate care and treatment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' has large, glossy, variegated leaves that add a tropical look to gardens and living spaces.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in low-light conditions, making it suitable for shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Easy Care: This plant is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive indoors or outdoors.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has a good level of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' is relatively resistant to pests, lessening the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: It can be grown as a specimen plant, in containers, or as part of a mixed border, giving gardeners many options for its use.
- Winter Interest: Its evergreen foliage provides greenery and interest all year round, even in the chillier months.
- Urban Tolerance: This plant is quite tolerant of urban pollution, making it a good choice for city gardens or landscapes.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can be used to create privacy screens or as a backdrop for other plants in a garden design.
- Coastal Tolerant: It is able to withstand coastal conditions like salt spray, making it ideal for seaside gardens.
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 'Variegata' can be used in creating floral arrangements, both with fresh and dried leaves, adding a tropical feel to the decoration.
- The large, hand-shaped leaves of the Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' lend themselves to be used as natural impromptu umbrellas or sun shades during light rain or sunny days.
- In arts and crafts, the distinctive variegated leaves can be used as stamps for painting or to create patterns in paper making.
- During winter, the Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' can provide visual interest in an otherwise barren garden due to its evergreen nature and variegation.
- This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about variegation in plants and how it can occur through genetic mutation or careful breeding.
- As a photography subject, Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' offers an exotic and lush background or focal point for botanic-themed photo shoots.
- Due to its dense foliage, Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' can be used as a privacy screen in gardens or patios in urban environments.
- The plant can be used to add a touch of greenery in themed parties or events, particularly in tropical or jungle-themed decor.
- Leaves of Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' can be used in creating leaf mold compost, which can enrich garden soil with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
- The plant's strong visual impact makes it suitable for use in landscape architecture, playing a role in large-scale plantings or as focal points in design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Paperplant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Paperplant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Fatsia japonica 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Japanese Aralia, is known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing adaptability and endurance in the face of challenges.
- Growth and Expansion: With its lush foliage and tendency to grow large, the Variegated Japanese Aralia symbolizes personal growth and expansion of one's boundaries.
- Diversity: The variegated leaves represent diversity and the beauty of combining different elements to create something unique and harmonious.
- Protection: Native beliefs often see large-leaved plants like the Variegated Japanese Aralia as protective, offering a shield against negative forces and providing a safe environment.
WaterThe variegated Japanese aralia should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry, typically every 1 to 2 weeks, but this can vary based on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water and gently pour it around the base of the plant, allowing water to seep down to the roots without flooding the plant. Depending on the pot size and the plant's environment, this could mean using about half a gallon of water each time during active growth periods. It's important not to let the plant sit in water as it can lead to root rot. In winter, reduce watering frequency to match the plant's slower growth rate.
LightThe variegated Japanese aralia thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate shade. It should be placed in a location where it's shielded from harsh, direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves. A spot near a north-facing window or a few feet away from an east- or west-facing window is often ideal to provide the proper light conditions.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for variegated Japanese aralia ranges from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but cold drafts and temperatures below this can damage the plant. Avoid placing it near heat sources or air conditioning vents that might cause sudden temperature fluctuations.
PruningPrune the variegated Japanese aralia to maintain its shape, remove any dead or damaged leaves, and promote bushier growth. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any overgrown stems using clean, sharp shears, and remember to wear gloves, as the sap can sometimes irritate skin. This plant usually requires minimal pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil for the Japanese aralia 'Variegata' is well-draining, rich, and loamy with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of equal parts potting soil, peat, and perlite or pine bark can create an ideal environment for this plant.
RepottingThe Japanese aralia 'Variegata' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Japanese aralia 'Variegata' thrives in high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 75%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Provide shade, shelter from wind, and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleFatsia japonica 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Japanese Aralia, starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring or early summer, given warm temperatures and moist soil conditions. After germination, seedlings establish themselves and enter a vegetative growth phase, developing characteristic large, glossy, and variegated leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a multi-stemmed shrub that can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide, and it enters the reproductive phase, typically blooming in late autumn to early winter with spherical clusters of small white flowers. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small, black, non-edible fruit. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy during colder winter months, with growth slowing or ceasing. Annual cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy repeat throughout the Variegated Japanese Aralia's long life span, which can be several decades in ideal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Japanese aralia 'Variegata' can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. However, the most popular method of propagation for this plant is by taking stem cuttings, particularly from late spring to early summer which is when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by stem cuttings, one would take a healthy piece of stem approximately 4 to 6 inches long, ensuring that it has at least a couple of leaves or leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium, and kept moist but not overly wet. The cutting needs to be in a warm environment and ideally under a plastic dome or in a mini greenhouse to maintain high humidity. Roots usually develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot and gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions.
