Fatsia japonica — the Japanese aralia with impressive foliage

The Fatsia japonica, or Japanese aralia, is a plant with a strong character. Its large palmate leaves, deeply divided into 7 to 9 lobes, give it a tropical and graphic look that instantly fills a space. It is one of the few indoor plants capable of thriving in the darkest corners.

Our varieties of Fatsia japonica

The Fatsia japonica 'Spider Web' is a remarkable variety: each dark green leaf is delicately speckled with white, as if sprinkled with spider web threads. This subtle variegated effect brings brightness without overwhelming the visual — a real favorite for lovers of original foliage. The Fatsia japonica 'Variegata' has a bolder variegation: large cream-white areas border the lobes of each leaf, creating a strong contrast with the deep green center. Larger (60 cm at delivery), it is ideal as a statement plant in a living room or entrance hall.

The shade champion

Fatsia originates from the Japanese forest understory, which explains its exceptional tolerance to low light. It thrives where most plants barely survive: interior corridors, north-facing entrances, dark corners of the living room, offices far from windows. It is also one of the few variegated plants to retain its patterns in low light — the Variegata and Spider Web remain decorative even in partial shade. Find our other suitable species in the plants for shade and partial shade collection and read our article light and humidity: finding the right balance.

Fatsia care

Fatsia likes coolness and humidity. Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly moist, without ever soaking it. It prefers moderate temperatures (10-20°C) and does not tolerate the dry heat of overheated interiors — keep it away from radiators. Mist the foliage regularly to prevent tip drying, especially in winter. The large leaves collect dust: clean them occasionally with a damp cloth so they can breathe and stay shiny. Check out our complete watering guide for details.

Indoors or outdoors?

This is Fatsia’s versatility: it works well both indoors and outdoors. Hardy down to about -10°C, it can stay year-round on a sheltered balcony or terrace in mild climates. In summer, place it in shade or partial shade — it will love the fresh air. Indoors, it prefers cool, lightly heated rooms, making it an excellent choice for a conservatory, entrance hall, or a lightly heated bedroom. Browse our outdoor plants and plants for shaded balconies collections.

A plant with strong visual impact

With leaves that can exceed 30 cm in width, Fatsia immediately adds plant volume. A single plant is enough to transform the atmosphere of a room. Placed in a beautiful decorative pot in ceramic or natural fiber, it creates a powerful decorative focal point. Also explore our large XXL plants collection and our article indoor plants for every room.

Pairing Fatsia

Fatsia fits into a Japanese-inspired atmosphere with an Acer palmatum and a Fargesia outdoors. Indoors, pair it with other shade plants with contrasting foliage: an Asplenium for the lightness of fronds, a Calathea for graphic patterns, and a climbing Philodendron for verticality. Find our article pairing plants for a tropical atmosphere and our decorative foliage plants collection.