Fatsia japonica Maintenance & Care Checklist
1. Plant Family Overview: Fatsia japonica
The Fatsia is a robust, architectural plant known for its large, glossy, hand-shaped leaves.
Unlike many tropical office plants, the Fatsia originates from cooler climates. This makes it a "unicorn" in the office world: it thrives in drafty lobbies, cool corridors, and unheated reception areas where other plants would shiver and die. However, it reacts poorly to overheating.
Appearance: Distinctive large, leathery, dark green leaves deeply lobed like a hand (palmate), growing in a bushy shrub form.
Common Varieties: Fatsia japonica (Standard Green), Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' (Variegated with white speckles – slightly slower growing).
Office Benefits: Excellent filler for large pots. It is structurally tough and tolerant of lower light levels.
Key Sensitivities: Heat intolerance. It hates being next to radiators or in hot, stuffy rooms (>24°C). It is also known for the "Fatsia Flop" - it droops dramatically the moment it gets thirsty.
2. Ideal Conditions
Light: Low to Moderate indirect light.
Target: 2 to 4 metres from a window, or in a shaded corner.
Tolerance: High shade tolerance. Avoid direct sunlight completely (leaves will bleach and scorch).
Temperature: Cool to Moderate
Ideal: 10°C – 20°C.
Limit: Can tolerate cold drafts down to 5°C (great for revolving door entrances). Avoid sustained heat above 24°C.
Humidity: Standard office humidity (40–50%) is fine.
Water Quality: Tepid (room temperature) water. If possible, let tap water sit in an open container overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Potting Mix: (soil plants) Loam-based, moisture-retentive but well-draining soil.
Feeding: Moderate feeder during the growing season.
3. Weekly / Fortnightly Maintenance Checklist
Perform these tasks on a consistent day (e.g. every Wednesday).
Watering Check: (The "Droop Test")
Fatsias are communicative: they physically collapse when thirsty.
Insert a finger 3 cm into the soil, or use a moisture meter.
Action:
If soil is damp: DO NOT WATER.
If soil is dry or leaves look slightly limp: Water immediately.
Quantity: Generous. Water until it trickles through the base of the grow pot, but ensure it doesn't sit in standing water.
Note: If the plant has collapsed (leaves hanging vertically), water deeply. It will usually perk up within 2 hours.
HydroCare Plants: Leave for 2 weeks on minimum before topping up, never go above optimum on the water level indicator.
Cleaning:
Dusting: The broad, horizontal leaves collect dust. Wipe with a damp cloth or dust gloves to keep them glossy and breathing.
Debris: Fatsias flower (white spikes) and fruit (black berries). These drop and create a mess on carpets. Remove flower stalks before they drop debris if aesthetics are a priority.
Positioning & Environment:
Heat Check: Ensure the plant has not been pushed up against a radiator or heater. This will crisp the leaves within days.
Space: Fatsias grow wide. Check that foliage isn't obstructing walkways.
Quick Health Scan:
Scan for "Stickiness": Look at the new growth at the top. If it looks distorted or sticky, check for Aphids (greenfly) and treat.
Scan for Colour: Leaves should be deep green. Pale yellow leaves usually mean it's too hungry or too wet.
4. Monthly / Bi-Monthly Tasks
Fertilising (Feed):
When: April to August.
What: Soil Plants; General-purpose liquid houseplant food. HydroCare Plants; Hydroponic liquid plant food.
Frequency: Once a month.
Rotation:
Rotate the pot 90° monthly. Fatsias will stretch toward the light source, becoming leggy and sparse on the dark side if not turned.
Pruning:
To keep the plant bushy, you can nip out the very top growth tip in spring.
Remove any old, yellowing leaves at the base using sharp shears.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Spring / Summer (Active Growth)
Watering: High demand. Fatsias transpire (sweat) a lot of water through their big leaves. Check twice weekly in heatwaves.
Pests: Watch for aphids on the soft new leaves at the top.
Autumn / Winter (Dormancy)
Watering: Reduce. The plant prefers a rest period. Allow the top 5 cm of soil to dry out.
Temperature: This is the Fatsia's happy season. It enjoys the cooler office temperatures, provided it isn't blasted by central heating.
6. What NOT to Do
Don't place a Fatsia next to a radiator or heat source. It is the quickest way to kill it.
Don't let the plant sit in standing water. While it likes water, it hates swampy soil.
Don't expose to direct midday sun. It is a shade-loving woodland plant.
Don't ignore the "droop." If left collapsed for too long, the leaves will turn brown and never recover.
Don't use leaf shine products; a damp cloth is safer.
7. Red Flags & Early Warning Signs
Use this troubleshooting guide to catch and treat issues.
Total Plant Collapse (Drooping)
Acute Thirst
Water heavily immediately.
Drooping (but soil is wet)
Root Rot
Stop watering. Check for standing water.
Crispy, brown leaves
Heat Stress / Sunburn
Move away from radiator/window.
Yellowing lower leaves
Natural aging
Remove leaf.
Yellowing new leaves
Iron deficiency / Wet feet
Check drainage. Feed next month.