Japanese aralia care guide
Fatsia japonica
Quick answer
Water your Japanese aralia when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
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- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - Climate
- 15–24 °C (59–75 °F)
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
When and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Japanese aralia thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your Japanese aralia every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate15–24 °C (59–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
Japanese aralia is comfortable between 15 and 24 °C (59–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Japanese aralia is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Japanese aralia?
Water your Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
Sources3 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · soil · moisture · hardiness · pests · diseases · Cool indoor conditions · light · ventilation · soil-based compost · container size · water and feed
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxShade · humus-rich soil · moisture · feeding · indoor pests · root rot · wind and sun damage
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