Japanese laurel Aucuba japonica 'Golden King' (m/v)

Water

Gold Dust plant, commonly known as Aucuba japonica 'Golden King', prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant thoroughly, until water runs from the drainage holes, about once a week under normal conditions. During the hotter months or if it's in a particularly dry and windy spot, check the soil moisture every few days as it may require twice a week watering. In the winter, reduce watering to every couple of weeks, or when the soil is dry to the touch. It's best to use between half a gallon to one gallon per watering session, depending on the size and needs of the plant.

Light

Gold Dust plant thrives in partial to full shade and should be placed in an area that receives indirect sunlight or dappled light. It can tolerate some morning sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. The plant is well-suited for north-facing rooms or shaded parts of the garden where it can receive bright, indirect light without being exposed to the harsh afternoon sun.

Temperature

The Gold Dust plant is comfortable in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, making it suitable for most indoor environments. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, however, it should be protected from frost and extreme cold, which can damage the plant. Keep it away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain its health.

Pruning

Pruning the Gold Dust plant is helpful to maintain its shape and health. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and trim to encourage bushier growth. Generally, pruning can be done annually or as needed if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown. Pruning at the right time helps ensure the plant recovers quickly and looks its best throughout the year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Gold Dust plant, or Aucuba japonica 'Golden King', thrives in a well-draining soil mix with compost or peat moss to retain some moisture. A mixture comprising two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite is ideal. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

The Gold Dust plant should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure it has enough room to grow and fresh soil for nutrient uptake. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while older, more established specimens can be repotted less often.

Humidity & Misting

For the Gold Dust plant, maintaining a high humidity level is beneficial, ideally between 40-60%. If indoor air is dry, misting the plant or using a humidity tray can help achieve the desired humidity levels around the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in indirect light, keep soil moist but not wet.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Aucuba japonica 'Golden King', commonly known as the Gold Dust Plant, begins with germination, where the plant emerges from seeds typically in spring under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants with distinctive green leaves speckled with gold, establishing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state characterized by robust leaf growth and the development of branching stems, forming a dense shrub. Gold Dust Plant reaches reproductive maturity in a few years, producing small purple flowers in the spring which are rather inconspicuous, later developing into bright red berries if pollination occurs with a male plant ('m' denotes a male variety, while 'v' denotes a variegated variety in the common naming convention). The plant has an evergreen lifecycle, maintaining its foliage throughout the year, with only older leaves falling off to make room for new growth. The cycle continues as the berries mature and drop, potentially giving rise to new plants if conditions allow.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Japanese laurel 'Golden King' is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is generally best carried out in late summer. To propagate, take a cutting that's around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length from a healthy, mature plant, ensuring it has a few sets of leaves. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and insert it into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar rooting medium. The cutting should then be placed in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight, and kept moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks to months, after which the new plant can be transplanted into a more permanent location.