Fatsia

The genus Aralia, or Fatsia, belongs to the family Araliaceae (araliaceae) and unites about 20 species, of which the most common as a houseplant is fatsia japonica (Fatsia japonica, Aralia japonica). This is a large evergreen plant of considerable size, with spreading, 15-45 cm wide, leathery lobed (resembling an open palm in shape) dark green glossy leaves on long petioles. The original inflorescences of small white flowers blooming in October look quite nice. Varieties of fatsia japonica differ in appearance, for example, 'Variegated' has brighter leaves, 'Mosera' is characterized by greater branching and lower height.

The genus Aralia, or Fatsia, belongs to the family Araliaceae (araliaceae) and unites about 20 species, of which the most common as a houseplant is fatsia japonica (Fatsia japonica, Aralia japonica). This is a large evergreen plant of considerable size, with spreading, 15-45 cm wide, leathery lobed (resembling an open palm in shape) dark green glossy leaves on long petioles. The original inflorescences of small white flowers blooming in October look quite nice.

Varieties of fatsia japonica differ in appearance, for example, 'Variegated' has brighter leaves, 'Mosera' is characterized by greater branching and lower height.

Cultivation

Thanks to its elegant, very beautiful foliage, aralia is one of the most common indoor plants. In areas with mild climates, it grows well in the garden, preferably in a closed place; in areas with cooler winters, it can be grown in the open ground, but in a completely protected place, for example, next to a South-facing wall. During the growing season, it is recommended to periodically add a liquid complex fertilizer to the water for irrigation.

Location

It is preferable to take the plant to a well-lit place, however, it feels good in partial shade.

Temperature

For Japanese aralia, coolness is preferred. The optimal temperature is 18 °C and above. The minimum temperature that the plant can with stand is 10 °C, the maximum is 24 °C.

Watering

Aralia requires fairly frequent watering. It is recommended to keep the soil moist and spray the plant with water more often.

Transplant

Transplanting into a new pot is carried out annually in early spring. Use a slightly larger pot and fresh, well-drained soil. The plant is handled carefully so as not to damage the large leaves.

Care

To keep the leaves clean, use a damp cloth; lustrating solution is used only in rare cases.

Reproduction

In early spring, select the most developed daughter shoots and use them as cuttings. Shoots should be carefully separated, treated with phytohormones and planted one at a time in proportionate pots. Use peat and sand soil (approximately 2:1) or universal garden land. When rooting, maintain a temperature of 20-23 °C.

Diseases

The plant is subject to attack by many pests. Mealy bug, which looks like white cotton swabs, appears on the leaves and in the branches of the shoots. To get rid of it, it is enough to wipe the affected areas with a cloth or cotton swab soaked in alcohol, with a strong lesion, the plant is treated with an anticoccidial drug. You can get rid of green apple and black aphids with a special anti-aphid drug. From ticks, acaricide treatments are carried out, while simultaneously maintaining high humidity around the plant. Excessive or insufficient watering leads to either rotting of the roots or wilting of the plant. Avoid temperatures above 24 °C and dry air: the leaves may become flabby.

Acquisition

Japanese aralia is easy to buy in any gardening center and in almost every flower shop. When choosing a plant, pay attention to the leaves, which should be glossy, beautiful green color. Keep in mind that this is a fast-growing plant, so it is not necessary to buy a large specimen.