Also known as Japanese Aralia · 24 gardener saves
Fatsia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Fatsia, the genus most gardeners know as japanese aralia. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Fatsia varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedJapanese Fatsia
Fatsia japonica 'Murakumo Nishiki'
#2 most savedVariegated Japanese Aralia
Fatsia japonica 'Variegata'
#3 most savedJapanese Fatsia
Fatsia japonica
Spider's Web Fatsia
Fatsia japonica 'Spiders Web'
How to grow Fatsia
What the Fatsia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Fatsia year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Prune lightly in late winter/early spring to shape or remove damaged/crossing limbs.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer around the root zone in early spring.
- Check for PestsApril–August100% of varieties
Watch for scale insects and spider mites, especially in dry conditions.
Do
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead or damaged branches
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged leaves ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't expose to frost without protection
What goes wrong with Fatsia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or miticides |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
Making more Fatsia
cuttings
- Select healthy semi-mature stems in late summer
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone
- Plant in well-draining soil and water lightly
- Keep in indirect sunlight and maintain moisture
- Roots typically develop in 6 weeks
division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall
- Gently separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade
- Replant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
- Mulch to retain moisture
Fatsia questions
How many types of Fatsia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Fatsia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 24 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Fatsia grow in?
Across its varieties, Fatsia covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Fatsia bloom?
Most Fatsia varieties bloom in early fall, late fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Fatsia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Fatsia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Fatsia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
